British tabloid stages locker room fan incident

Last week, we told you about an incident where an irate soccer fan broke into the England locker room after their tie with Algeria. The fan started arguing with many of the players including team representative David Beckham and was arrested.

And now, as it turns out, it was entirely staged by a British tabloid. A journalist for the Sunday Mirror named Simon Wright was arrested in Cape Town for his role in the charade.

Wright allegedly booked hotel accommodations for Joseph using false details. Wright also had a contract with Joseph for exclusive interviews for seven days “after he made news,” according to South Africa’s most senior policeman.
“Police have reason to believe that this incident was orchestrated and involved the cooperation of a number of individuals,” Cele said.
Cele said to expect more arrests in the case.
“Police strongly believe the motive was to put World Cup security in a bad light and possibly to profit from this act,” Cele said of the June 18 incident in which the uncredentialed Joseph entered the dressing room after England drew 0-0 with Algeria at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium.

Before the World Cup started, I didn’t have high hopes for South African police or the security they could provide. But frankly, this investigation is nothing short of brilliant. Dare I say even Colombo-esque.

And not only was the journalist arrested but they are apparently throwing the book at him too. He is charged with “defeating the ends of justice” and “flouting the provisions of the Immigration Act.” My expertise in South African law is a bit shaky but that sounds like Simon Martin is being charged with terrorist activity.

See you in Guantanamo buddy.

Police: England fan incident ‘orchestrated’ {AP}

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