Man ejected from sports event because he 'looks like Jesus'

An unusual story coming out of the United Kingdom features a man named Nathan Grindal, who only wanted to watch a darts competition. Grindal was among some 4500 other fans and spectators who were watching a match between Phil Taylor and Kim Huybrechts at the Cash Converters Players’ Championship being held at Butlin's at Minehead, in Somerset.

Grindal, who sports long hair and a full beard, quickly became the center of the attention of an increasingly angry mob, who began chanting ‘Jesus.’ This alerted security staff to a potentially dangerous situation for Grindal.

Apparently, the crowd become concerned that Grindal's likeness of what many artistic impressions show to be a representation of the central character in Christian Mythology would distract or otherwise upset the players.

SWNS reports that the Jesus chant morphed into a call for everyone to 'stand up if you love Jesus,’ at which time Mr,. Grindal was ejected from the match by security staff, and brought to an area where he would be able to watch the match on television.

In an even stranger twist, after the match, Grindal was sought after by some individuals who sought to have their picture taken with him, and to have the pictures autographed.

The story reports Grindal commenting on the situation, stating,

“I didn’t go to the darts dressed as Jesus – I went as me. It was all very weird and distressing. I didn’t break down crying but I did get emotionally distraught.
He also offered the commentary about how he was treated by security staff after his removal from the games, They were bullying me and picking on me, saying that I was someone else. “It would have been okay if the security hadn’t made a fuss getting me out of the arena. I was evicted for something I have no control over. I felt discriminated against.”

Grindal was in town specifically to attend the match, having booked himself and five friends for an extended stay at the venue.

Here's a video:

For more information, commentary, quotes and relevant links, please visit SWNS.

Al Stefanelli

Al serves on the Board of Directors for The Clergy Project, and is the former Georgia State Director for American Atheists, Inc. He is a retired journalist and the author of "Free Thoughts - A Collection Of Essays By An American Atheist" and "A Voice Of Reason In An Unreasonable World - The Rise Of Atheism On Planet Earth." Al began writing in 1985, starting with the New York Times. In 1993 he joined a McClatchy newspaper, writing a weekly column for ten years. His writing continues to be widely distributed on the Internet and in print. He also produced and hosted a weekly syndicated radio broadcast for three years and was the founder and President of the former United Atheist Front, Inc., which functioned as a civil rights organization. Al is a former Southern Baptist Pastor, having served two churches and as pulpit supply for three counties. Currently, he writes for The God Discussion, hosts his own blog on WordPress, submits content to a variety of publications, and co-hosts "American Heathen Radio" and "Reap Sow Radio." Al lives in Peachtree City, GA., a suburb of Atlanta.

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  • Deborah_B

    That poor man! Good grief, people can be ridiculous. The "chanters" should have been kicked out of the game, not him. He can't help what he looks like — although maybe he ought to consider a shave and a haircut if this is a common thing — or consider starring in films put out by the religious film industry. Wouldn't it be a hoot if he was an atheist?

  • PJ Crittenden

    It was a darts match. Most darts fans aren't the most intelligent. And also they were likely to have been drinking heavily.

  • Peter

    You learn something everyday from these jerks. To them Jesus was white and had brownish blond hair. Who knew.

  • David Tyler

    He doesn't look Jewish.

  • keith bruner

    Interestingly enough, the Bible says God does not like long hair on a man so Jesus probably certainly did not have long hair. No matter what R.C. paintings show.

  • wildernesswild man

    Never seen a red headed Jesus. These British must be nuts.

  • walter conell

    Stupid people- I have some slightly used alien aircraft I want to sell them.

    • Spuddie

      I hope it's not the one you listed on eBay as a vintage British police box. I am already bidding on that.