The New Zealand-born father of an Aussie rules football star is being booted out of Australia over his links to the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang.
Shane Martin, father of AFL Richmond Tiger's player Dustin Martin, has been detained and is awaiting deportation after the Australian Government launched a fresh crackdown on bikie gangs.
Last week Australia's Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton put all foreign-born members or associates of motorcycle gangs on notice warning they could face removal under the country's beef-up visa cancellation laws.
Already 81 bikie gang members and associates have had visas cancelled or refused under Section 501 of the Migration Act.
Today Canterbury University sociologist Jarrod Gilbert confirmed one of those detained by authorities in the latest sweep included Shane Martin.
He had spoken earlier to his Australian-based brother to confirm the deportation.
Mr Gilbert tweeted: "I know Shane Martin well. He was in a documentary I worked on in Aus. I feel sick for him now."
Under Australian law Mr Martin, who is alleged to be a top-ranking official with Rebels Motorcycle Gang, has failed to meet the minimum character requirements to remain in his adopted country.
Mr Gilbert was concerned ex-pat Kiwi's decision to criticise the Australian Government over its tough visa measures in a Ross Kemp: Extreme World documentary which was aired in the United Kingdom had cost his freedom.
"I've worked very, very closely with him and I'd be deeply concerned if him appearing in that documentary and speaking out against the laws in any way contributed to him finding himself in this predicament.
"Obviously it's pretty troubling consequences for free speech.
"He trusted me to work on that film and I'd feel a bit sick if that contributed to the problems he's faced," he said.
He did not know when Mr Martin was due to arrive back in New Zealand.
According to Australian media Mr Martin was taken in to custody at his trucking business in Camden, in southwest Sydney, on Thursday morning.
Despite his father's unexpected detention son Dustin took to the field for his football club that same night.
It was not known if Mr Martin would appeal his deportation.
Mr Dutton said the Australian Government was committed to targeting and disrupting the operations of outlaw motorcycle gangs by removing key figures from gangs.
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