Calombaris reacted to taunts from the crowd calling him a“dodgy bastard” by football fans after Sydney FC defeated Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium

His company MAdE Establishment was last month found to have underpaid staff a total of $2.6 million.

A nearby police officer spoke to Calombaris after the incident as the crowd yelling “cuff him” and “lock him up”.

“I am really disappointed with what occurred last night,” he said.

“I was genuinely shocked when post-match football banter turned into personal abuse about my family. I regret the way in which I reacted, I am disappointed that I let it get to me, and I sincerely apologise for offending anyone.

“While I am not proud of my reaction to the situation, I was offended by a spectator yelling out abusive and derogatory comments about my family. I have spoken to Melbourne Victory FC and Football Federation Australia today to report the situation and I’m truly sorry that this has happened.”

Calombaris has since paid staff what he owed them from his three restaurants, The Press Club, Gazi and Hellenic Republic.