AFL, WA police clear West Coast Eagles forward Liam Ryan after music festival brawl caught on camera
Updated . First published at
The AFL has concluded its investigation into a street brawl caught on video that implicated West Coast Eagles small forward Liam Ryan, clearing the premiership star of wrongdoing.
Earlier this month, the 28-year-old was caught on camera in a fight in front of several onlookers.
The footage was taken after a music festival in Fremantle, the day before a media appearance promoting the AFL's All-Stars clash scheduled for next month.
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The AFL integrity unit worked with WA police and have released the findings of their investigations, with Ryan vindicated by the probe.
"The AFL Integrity Unit inquiries and investigations by WA Police determined that the altercation occurred after Ryan and his companions were the victims of an attack by a larger group of people whilst leaving the event," the league said in a statement on Monday.
Liam Ryan. Getty
The 2018 premiership Eagle was described as a co-operative witness, who was unwittingly dragged into a larger incident.
"WA police confirmed to the AFL that officers were in the area at the time of the fight and that Ryan was being treated as a witness to an incident where his group was pursued by a larger group, resulting in one of his female companions being assaulted and suffering facial injuries," the AFL said.
The league then confirmed that Ryan was attempting to "de-escalate the incident", walking away before being confronted, which led to the altercation being filmed and shared on social media.
Liam Ryan of the Eagles and Indigenous All Stars squad member poses with the new jumper. AFL Photos via Getty Images
There will be no further action against Ryan.
"WA police have advised the AFL that they intend to take no action against Ryan as a result of the matter and that he was cooperative and assisted the police by attending and providing police statements," the AFL said.
The league and police confirmed the 105-gamer was not drinking and drove on the night.
