Crown Resorts founder James Packer could possibly face legal action over allegedly pushing and yelling at a staff member at Crown Melbourne after he was denied access to his casino.
The altercation occurred on the New Year’s Day when Iskander Chaban, who has been working as a security guard at the Melbourne complex for some time now, refused to allow Packer and senior Crown executive Ishan Ratnam access to the casino premises.
Dr. Chaban, a doctor of philosophy, told media that he was yelled at and pushed aside when he blocked the two executive’s entry to the gaming floor at Crown Melbourne. He further explained that Mr. Packer and Mr. Ratnam told him that he would be fired instantly.
Commenting on why he had denied the two executives access to the casino floor, Dr. Chaban said that he was doing his job and that he did not recognize the two men at first. He also revealed that he was hospitalized for suffering from shock and back pain after he collapsed on the train home. It is still unclear whether Dr. Chaban would file legal action against the two Crown executives.
A spokeswoman for the major Australian gambling operator confirmed that a minor incident had indeed taken place. She said in a statement on the matter that a security guard was informed that “one of Crown’s most important VIP’s” was to enter the Melbourne casino. However, Dr. Chaban failed to recognize Crown’s founder and tried to deny him access to the gaming floor. Thus, he caused a collision.
The statement added that a verbal altercation occurred and Mr. Packer was eventually admitted to the facility. The spokeswoman clarified that Dr. Chaban was suspended after the altercation, but was later on reinstated.
Last month, James Packer announced that he was stepping down as Director of Crown Resorts. The announcement came four months after the casino mogul resigned as Chairman of the major gambling operator. The moves further fueled speculations that he would try to purchase the casino company and take it private.
Currently, Mr. Packer owns 53% in the operator. His resignation as Crown Director removed any conflict of interest, thus making it possible for him to buy out the company and take it private, people with knowledge of the matter explained.
