Spencer pushed the man away and asked to be left alone. No action was taken by the restaurant staff, although there is no suggestion that they or the establishment were negligent in relation to the episode.
The Lions have not made a complaint or asked for action to be taken but are understood to be quietly aggrieved that a senior member of their touring party was subjected to such an unsettling experience.
On the whole, Lions head coach Warren Gatland, his players and all staff have been well received and very well treated since their arrival in Auckland on May 31. The reception from most Kiwis has been warm and enthusiastic.
"The welcome and the hospitality has been awesome," Gatland said.
However, there have been occasional examples of hostility and tension.
Two weeks ago, a Lions fan suffered facial cuts after being punched by a local spectator at Eden Park during the Auckland Blues tour match. Stewards moved in quickly and police reported that two men were ejected from the stadium, which is staging the opening Test.
And when the Lions faced the Maori in Rotorua last weekend, Gatland and his assistants were repeatedly abused by one particularly antagonistic home fan seated above the coaches' box.
Depot has been contacted for comment.
