Today host Karl Stefanovic’s risky joke about young Queensland fans on live television has fallen flat ahead of the State of Origin decider.
During a lighthearted segment with a group of young Queensland fans, Today host Karl Stefanovic seemed to take a joke too far.
Sports presenter Alex Cullen was streaming in live from outside Suncorp Stadium where the anticipated State of Origin decider is set to kick off on Wednesday night.
A crowd of kids adorned in maroon merchandise joined the presenter around 6.30am as he delivered the latest updates on the showdown game between Queensland and NSW.
Mid-script Cullen slapped a blue cap on his head, which was swiftly snatched by one of the young fans.
The kids took off in the opposite direction, with Cullen on their heels yelling for them to return the hat.
In a fit of laughter, Stefanovic delivered his line.
“Just be careful buddy,” Stefanovic joked.
“If they’re not in the game they’re stealing cars young Queensland kids.”
Stefanovic and co-host Ally Langdon awkwardly laughed off the joke.
Melbourne-based Stefanovic has always proclaimed himself to be a proud Queenslander.
Police have made known that the Sunshine State is facing a youth crime crisis following a string of violent altercations involving weapons.
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said last month there was a teen crime “phenomenon” sweeping across the state.
There are 100 more juvenile offenders in custody in Queensland than there was a year ago.
On Monday, 20-year-old Seyram Kwami Djentuh was charged with the murder of 24-year-old Lauie Tagaloa.
The 24-year-old was killed in an alleged fatal stabbing in a Fortitude Valley train station food court.
Originally published as Today host Karl Stefanovic’s joke about Qld kids falls flat on live TV
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