Update: Sportsbet Removes Disputable Advert

In the wake of loud reactions and the threats from the Victorian provincial government, Sportsbet has agreed to remove its witty but rather offensive "Rooting for the Wallabies" advert. Paddy Power's Australian subsidiary said that painting over a 170m x 90m advert will cost A$20,000. The disputable advert was painted on the field near Melbourne airport announcing the rugby test match Wallabies vs. Lions. Apparently, the cost of removing the ad will not be an issue for Sportsbet as it has achieved publicity coverage worth many times more than the subsequent cost. “At the end of the day I don't expect international visitors to see that image when they're coming into this city, and I'd expect it to be removed as soon as possible. If they don't expect that, or don't want it to be the case, then we'll take court action. I want it removed. It's not appropriate," provincial planning minister Matthew Guy said about the advert. According to the reports, the Victorian government requested from Sportsbet to remove the advert, threatening to take legal steps against the company because the ad was painted on Parks Victoria land, allegedly without authorization.