Aussie Football Team Makes Stop at Rams Park

The Footscray Bulldogs, an Australian Rules football team that was kicked off a Qantas flight in Honolulu Thursday, found haven at Rams Park in Anaheim Friday.

The Australians, most of whom flew on other carriers to Los Angeles to continue their 2 1/2-week postseason, nonplaying tour of the United States, were asked to get off the Qantas plane after several alleged incidents, among them:

--Stripping a flight attendant of her jacket. (“It was just hanging there,” said Denny Schwarz, the team’s sponsor. “She didn’t even know it was gone.”)

--Removing a Qantas plaque for a souvenir. (“Yes, but it was returned.”)

--Damaging several seats. (“I can assure you, they weren’t.”)

--Throwing food. (“Pieces of pineapple. I got hit by one.”)

--Being so generally obnoxious that other passengers were forced to move.

“I would swear almost none of that happened,” Schwarz said. “The plane was almost empty, and we had the back to ourselves. There was a lovely couple from--where is it the Cardinals play, St. Louis?--and we suggested if they wanted to get some sleep they should move up front. They were very nice.

“I would say quite honestly that about five players misbehaved. They had a few drinks. They were a bit loud, which is normal with young people.”

Schwarz indicated that the instigators would be disciplined.

The Bulldogs, from a suburb of Melbourne, finished third in the Victorian Football League with a record of 16-6. They will be guests of the Rams at Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers at Anaheim.