The Fair Work Commission said Davide Tamburella had rejected the request three times over four years. He had argued that management instructions “need not be followed when it is offensive to his culture”.

The restaurant dismissed him in May after raising other concerns about his behaviour, including his language and communication style. The commission also noted an April incident in which he fractured bones in his right hand after striking a metal hand rail.

Tamburella’s claim was rejected because it was filed late. He had hoped the restaurant would sponsor a visa allowing him to become a permanent resident, but the process ended after his dismissal.

The restaurant has since closed. Its managing director told the Daily Mail there was “more to this story than a pizza topping”.