Kiwi expats are apologising to a London pub after drunken All
Blacks fans went on an ugly rampage following last weekend's
rugby loss to England.
New Zealanders in London were horrified to hear supporters
wearing All Blacks jerseys caused damage brawling at All Bar
One in Moorgate after the test.
It is alleged the supporters broke glasses, threw tables and
chairs and upset bar workers.
To make up, some expats - who had nothing to do with last
weekend's trouble - last night staged a making-amends event
dubbed Redemption Saturday at the bar.
Clint Heine, an organiser of Redemption Saturday, said he
felt compelled to act even though he hadn't seen the previous
weekend's incident.
"The All Blacks losing meant it wasn't a good day for us but
when I heard some supporters had terrified the bar workers it
just made things worse," he told the Herald on Sunday.
"We wanted to show not all Kiwis behave like idiots and we
mobilised people to turn up at the pub and show the staff we
can behave ourselves properly."
Kiwis attending the event were asked to take home baking and
Kiwiana items for All Bar One staff.
The New Zealand Shop in Covent Garden pledged goods, as did
the 750-strong New Zealand Businesswomen's Network.
London-based Kiwi artist Mandii Pope donated paintings.
A spokesman for All Bar One said although staff were
frightened by the drunken fighting, police were not called.
"It was a really nice gesture for so many New Zealanders to
want to make up for the antics of a few idiots. The staff
really appreciate it," a spokesman said.
- Russell Blackstock of the Herald on Sunday
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