antonius
Coach
- Messages
- 10,104
Nathan who? Tinkler tackled by Knights security
BY BRETT KEEBLE
27/08/2009 4:00:00 AM
HE is the multimillionaire owner of a burgeoning thoroughbred racing empire, a former coal-mining magnate, and a potential white knight for the cash-strapped Newcastle Knights.
But to a diligent security guard at EnergyAustralia Stadium last Saturday night, former electrician Nathan Tinkler was just another punter without a parking pass.
Tinkler and the guard had what Knights chief executive Steve Burraston described as "a misunderstanding" when Tinkler arrived shortly before kick-off to the game between Newcastle and North Queensland.
According to several sources, the guard tried to deny Tinkler entry to the VIP parking area because he did not have the appropriate credentials.
An argument ensued, Tinkler proceeded to park his car in one of three remaining spots in the designated area, and the guard threw himself on to the bonnet.
Tinkler and the guard, whose only injury was a grazed arm, then spoke to Burraston on a mobile phone. Tinkler's identity as one of the club's major sponsors was confirmed, he was allowed to leave his car where he had parked it, and proceeded to his corporate box, where he watched the Knights win 32-26.
It is understood Tinkler had been at Randwick earlier that day to watch his three-year-old colt Trusting announce himself as a potential superstar by taking out the feature race, the group 2 Warwick Stakes.
He was then supposed to have hosted Knights players and staff for a family fun day and barbecue at his Aberdeen-based Patinack Farm stud the following day but did not attend.
Burraston would not confirm Tinkler's identity when asked by The Herald but said he was aware of "a misunderstanding at the entry gate to our car park on Saturday night".
"One of our patrons and sponsors was looking to gain late entry to the VIP area, where he's entitled to park, but didn't have his pass with him," Burraston said. "I understand that there was a misunderstanding regarding his right to park in that VIP area, a phone call was then made to me by security, I confirmed who the person was and said that he was allowed to park there, which he did and got to the game eventually.
"After the game, security said to me that there had been a misunderstanding on both sides, and that the matter had been sorted.
"I'm not aware of any police investigation, or any claim for anything else, or any complaint from the security guard who was involved.
"As far as I'm concerned, the last I heard was that the matter had been sorted and everybody was happy."
Burraston said police already patrolling the car park at the time attended the incident but neither the police nor the Knights investigated further.
"We never made an investigation because there's never been a complaint," he said.
'There's been no complaint from security, they said the matter had been finalised, and I understand the police were there at the time and there was no investigation forthcoming from the police on the matter."
National Event Services managing director Glen Jennings, whose company provides security at Knights games, would not comment.
"Any information you want will have to come from the Knights because they are our clients," Jennings said.
Tinkler could not be contacted for comment. Patinack Farm general manager Rick Connolly said he was unaware of the incident.
"The first I've heard about it is you talking to me now, mate, to be honest. I didn't even know he went to the football so no, I've got no idea," Connolly said.
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/lo...kler-tackled-by-knights-security/1607142.aspx
BY BRETT KEEBLE
27/08/2009 4:00:00 AM
HE is the multimillionaire owner of a burgeoning thoroughbred racing empire, a former coal-mining magnate, and a potential white knight for the cash-strapped Newcastle Knights.
But to a diligent security guard at EnergyAustralia Stadium last Saturday night, former electrician Nathan Tinkler was just another punter without a parking pass.
Tinkler and the guard had what Knights chief executive Steve Burraston described as "a misunderstanding" when Tinkler arrived shortly before kick-off to the game between Newcastle and North Queensland.
According to several sources, the guard tried to deny Tinkler entry to the VIP parking area because he did not have the appropriate credentials.
An argument ensued, Tinkler proceeded to park his car in one of three remaining spots in the designated area, and the guard threw himself on to the bonnet.
Tinkler and the guard, whose only injury was a grazed arm, then spoke to Burraston on a mobile phone. Tinkler's identity as one of the club's major sponsors was confirmed, he was allowed to leave his car where he had parked it, and proceeded to his corporate box, where he watched the Knights win 32-26.
It is understood Tinkler had been at Randwick earlier that day to watch his three-year-old colt Trusting announce himself as a potential superstar by taking out the feature race, the group 2 Warwick Stakes.
He was then supposed to have hosted Knights players and staff for a family fun day and barbecue at his Aberdeen-based Patinack Farm stud the following day but did not attend.
Burraston would not confirm Tinkler's identity when asked by The Herald but said he was aware of "a misunderstanding at the entry gate to our car park on Saturday night".
"One of our patrons and sponsors was looking to gain late entry to the VIP area, where he's entitled to park, but didn't have his pass with him," Burraston said. "I understand that there was a misunderstanding regarding his right to park in that VIP area, a phone call was then made to me by security, I confirmed who the person was and said that he was allowed to park there, which he did and got to the game eventually.
"After the game, security said to me that there had been a misunderstanding on both sides, and that the matter had been sorted.
"I'm not aware of any police investigation, or any claim for anything else, or any complaint from the security guard who was involved.
"As far as I'm concerned, the last I heard was that the matter had been sorted and everybody was happy."
Burraston said police already patrolling the car park at the time attended the incident but neither the police nor the Knights investigated further.
"We never made an investigation because there's never been a complaint," he said.
'There's been no complaint from security, they said the matter had been finalised, and I understand the police were there at the time and there was no investigation forthcoming from the police on the matter."
National Event Services managing director Glen Jennings, whose company provides security at Knights games, would not comment.
"Any information you want will have to come from the Knights because they are our clients," Jennings said.
Tinkler could not be contacted for comment. Patinack Farm general manager Rick Connolly said he was unaware of the incident.
"The first I've heard about it is you talking to me now, mate, to be honest. I didn't even know he went to the football so no, I've got no idea," Connolly said.
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/lo...kler-tackled-by-knights-security/1607142.aspx
Last edited:
