Premiership-winning West Coast Eagles player Liam Ryan has been cleared of any wrongdoing after footage emerged of him involved in a brawl at a festival last month.
The AFL released a statement on Monday that said no further action would be taken against the 28-year-old, who was said to be a victim in the incident.
Footage shared on social media showed Ryan, with several others, in what appeared to be a street brawl following a festival in Fremantle on January 17.
The AFL Integrity Unit conducted an inquiry while the Western Australia Police investigated the incident.
In the statement released by the league, it said the AFL Integrity Unit and the Western Australia Police concluded that Ryan and other companions were “victims of an attack by a larger group of people whilst leaving the event”.
“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 league said.
“It was determined that Ryan attempted to de-escalate the incident and walk away from the group before being confronted, leading to the fight that was captured on social media.”
Ryan did not consume any alcohol that night.
Ryan missed the opening six games for the Eagles last season. From his 16 matches, he booted 13 goals as West Coast scrapped to achieve five wins and place 16th on the ladder — only ahead of North Melbourne and Richmond.
