AFL, Richmond investigation concludes Shai Bolton made 'wrong choice' during nightclub brawl

Richmond and the AFL have completed their joint investigation into the after he and teammate Daniel Rioli sustained injuries during a nightclub brawl. involving Tigers duo Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli.

While Rioli has been cleared of any wrongdoing, the investigation determined Bolton "exacerbated the situation" when he elected to become involved before things got out of hand.

Bolton and Rioli become involved in a messy nightclub situation after Rioli's girlfriend was subjected to inappropriate behaviour. The duo suffered injuries, with Bolton fracturing his wrist in the fight; an injury that could cost him a month of footy.

"Rioli has been cleared of any wrongdoing but the investigation found Bolton had exacerbated the situation through his actions," a club statement read.

"Bolton acknowledged his decision to become involved in the altercation was the wrong choice and that violence was never the right response."

The case is now officially closed, but both players will be making a $20,000 donation to 'Tomorrow Man', an organisation with a focus on helpings boys and men build emotional muscle and breaking down stereotypes.

Bolton said he made the "wrong choice" by acting on "instinct" instead of opting to walk away and defuse the situation.

"I've thought about what happened recently and what could have happened as a result of my actions," Bolton said.

"When I saw what happened to Daniel I acted on instinct. I now know that my instincts were wrong and that my actions could have led to a far more serious outcome.

"I want to say publicly that I made the wrong choice, and I am sorry for getting involved in the manner that I did.

"The right choice is to walk away from trouble or for me to do whatever I could to stop what was happening and not do something that could make it worse.

"Violence is never OK no matter the circumstances, and I want to share that message with everyone. The right choice is to walk away."