In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, Matt Stanton, the acting CEO of Nine Entertainment, has been identified as the courageous witness who intervened during a violent brawl at a Sydney wharf. The incident, which unfolded in the bustling area of Manly on Sydney’s northern beaches, has left the community grateful for the selfless actions of those who stepped in to help.
On the evening of January 6, what started as a typical night out near the wharf turned into a scene of chaos and violence. Stanton, who was enjoying a meal at a nearby restaurant, was thrust into the role of a protector when he heard the alarming sounds of a fight breaking out. According to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, a group of up to 40 teens and young adults were seen viciously attacking a lone teenage boy, who was helplessly pinned to the ground.
The situation escalated rapidly as a couple bravely intervened, pulling the boy to safety, only to become targets themselves. They were assaulted with punches, spat upon, and struck with bottles by the aggressive gang. In a desperate attempt to shield the victim, they retreated into a nearby restaurant, Fratelli Fresh, where they tried to barricade the door against the assailants.
It was at this critical moment that Stanton’s instincts kicked in. ‘I could hear screaming from a lady in Fratelli Fresh telling people to get out,’ he recounted. ‘I could see the gang trying to get in the door. It was quite shocking to see, quite frightening, I’ve never seen anything like it in the 15 years I’ve been going down there.’
Facing the enraged mob, Stanton stood firm, holding the door closed and denying them entry. His actions, driven by what he described as ‘natural instinct,’ showcased a remarkable level of courage. ‘It was natural instinct – probably a stupid instinct as my wife told me afterwards,’ he admitted. ‘I just held the door and said ‘No, no, you’re not coming in’.’
Stanton’s identity as one of the heroic diners came to light after NSW Police released images seeking to identify witnesses to the brawl. The police have since established strikeforce Crookhaven to investigate the incident thoroughly. One man has been charged with riot and affray, and a large knife was discovered on the street following the altercation. The accused has been granted conditional bail and is expected to appear in Manly Local Court on January 29.
The acting CEO’s involvement in the incident highlights that heroism can emerge from anyone, regardless of their usual role in society. Stanton, who became the acting CEO of Nine Entertainment in September, has shown that leadership goes beyond the boardroom and into real-life situations where standing up can make a crucial difference.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to make a split-second decision to help someone else? Tell us your story in the comments below.
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