Former Canberra playmaker Mark McLinden has been recognized as the person who invaded the sphere and arrested at Sunday’s NRL grand remaining.
Key factors:
- Mark McLinden ran on the sphere and eliminated the padding on a goalpost whereas the sport continued on the different finish
- McLinden’s shirt learn: “Finish coal gasoline and oil”
- NSW Police confirmed “a 43-year-old man from Mullumbimby” had obtained an infringement discover for getting into the enjoying subject
A veteran of 165 video games on the Raiders, McLinden performed in 5 finals sequence for Canberra however by no means featured in an enormous recreation — till Sunday.
McLinden entered the sphere with Parramatta on the assault on the reverse finish of Sydney’s Olympic stadium and took down the padding from one of many purpose posts.
He managed to evade safety and pictures present he had a motorcycle lock round his neck as he labored on the publish, however was finally captured and brought from the sphere by three safety guards.
McLinden wore a shirt with the phrases “Finish coal gasoline and oil”.
Play continued throughout the incident as floor workers rapidly managed to reattach the padding earlier than the motion returned to that finish of the sphere.
Eagle-eyed social media customers recognised McLinden in images on Tuesday morning, earlier than it was confirmed he was the person in query.
“A 43-year-old man from Mullumbimby was arrested after he allegedly entered the southern finish of the enjoying subject and dragged one of many pads from the purpose publish,” a NSW police spokesperson stated.
“He was faraway from the sphere by safety earlier than being arrested by police.
“He has been issued with an infringement discover for getting into a contest enjoying subject.”
McLinden had posted on social media earlier on Tuesday protesting towards using coal, gasoline and oil and pointing to claims it was “inflicting catastrophic ecosystem loss and local weather change”.
He additionally launched a tune within the lead-up to the 2022 federal election, pushing for individuals to vote for candidates he claimed have been “local weather champions”.
AAP