Saints probe claims player set fire to dwarf
By Mark Macgugan10:40pm AEST Monday, September 2, 2013
Performer Blake Johnston was allegedly set on fire by a St Kilda player on Monday. Photo:
www.dwarfmyparty.comST KILDA is investigating an allegation that one of its players set a dwarf performer on fire during 'Mad Monday' celebrations at a South Melbourne hotel.
Channel Nine's Footy Classified reported that the Saints booked two dwarf performers Blake Johnston and Arthur Penn Serevetas as entertainment during their end of season drinks on Monday afternoon.
A group of players allegedly began attempting to light each other's clothes on fire as a prank, before one who has not been named turned his attention to Johnston.
The performer was quickly helped by other players and was not physically hurt, but left the function in a distressed state.
Contacted by AFL.com.au on Monday night, a St Kilda spokesperson said: "The club is investigating and is unable to add anything further at this time."
Serevetas told Footy Classified he viewed the St Kilda player's actions as criminal, and had advised his colleague to take action.
"A player went behind my friend, got one of those gas lighters that you use to light up a stove, and basically lit him up," Serevetas said.
"Part of his shirt and pants caught on fire, and after that someone put it out, and he got ticked off, and we left that was the end of our gig.
"I said to him after the gig that in my opinion he should pursue it.
"I think he should get compensated, at least for his shirt and pants.
"I told him to make sure his skin didn't get burnt or anything like that.
"In my line of work, we do things that cross a certain line or boundary, but this is beyond it ventures into criminal kind of stuff."
It was reported that Johnston who is also a wrestler has pulled out of an upcoming engagement with Professional Championship Wrestling as a result of the incident.
"He's a performer who relies on his self-esteem and confidence to be able to perform at events like this," a Professional Championship Wrestling spokesperson told the program.
"Tonight he's feeling very miserable and spending time with friends.
"He's very distressed.
"The players around him immediately helped to put the fire out and definitely weren't happy with what happened.
"Blake was humiliated and left immediately.
"He was lit on fire on the lower back from behind and had no idea of it until feeling it."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-02/dwarfs-clothes-lit-up-by-saint
