Campagnolo faces heat
Accusations of alleged inappropriate behaviour with minors has cast a shadow over sacked bisexual football trainer Ken Campagnolo ahead of his last remaining case against Bonnie Doon Football Club.
Speaking to Southern Star early last week, Campagnolo strenuously denied the allegations, claiming an attempt is being made to tarnish his name.
A story appeared in Sunday’s Herald Sun detailing allegations Campagnolo allegedly made sexual advances to a minor, showed pornography to minors, served them alcohol and allowed them to take drugs in his home.
The newspaper report also described claims Campagnolo allegedly showed pornography to football players as young as 13-years-old and made sexual advances towards a 16-year-old around 10 years ago.
Southern Star has attempted to contact Campagnolo for further comment on the allegations but calls have not been returned.
Since his sacking in 2007 from Bonnie Doon Football Club, Campagnolo has taken the AFL, the Victorian Country Football League, the Benalla and District Football League and the Bonnie Doon Football Club to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on discrimination claims.
A tape emerged this week from a 2007 media interview with Bonnie Doon coach Terry Dale in which Dale states there was no impropriety on Campagnolo’s part in the decision to sack him.
Gay activist Rob Mitchell — who has assisted Campagnolo with his legal proceedings — said he is “perplexed” by the claims, however, he said he felt unable to comment on the situation until he had seen the allegations.
“I can’t make a judgement without the material in front of me,” Mitchell said.
“We need to see what the allegations are and [Campagnolo] needs to get legal advice before he does anything.”
Campagnolo currently has a Working with Children Check.
Victoria Police have confirmed they are not currently investigating Campagnolo as no victims have come forward to police.
Campagnolo was named on the national Same Same 25 most influential gay and lesbian Australians list in 2008.
