Harley Bennell arrives back in Western Australia, in hot water over family airport hug
Harley Bennell is being investigated for a possible COVID-19 breach on his return to Western Australia after embracing family after landing in his home state.
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Harley Bennell could be in hot water again after greeting family members with a hug after arriving home in Perth.
The troubled former AFL player is now under police investigation for a possible COVID-19 breach after returning to WA on a flight from Queensland.
Bennell, who turns 28 today, was seen embracing his mum Kayleen and three others who are believed to be family members as he walked out of the airport terminal and headed for a 14-day home quarantine.
WA Police said the incident was now under investigation.
“The community of Western Australia is reminded of their responsibilities to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” a spokesman said.
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It comes after his family expressed concerns for Bennell’s mental welfare in recent days following erratic behaviour after his AFL retirement.
Bennell announced his decade-long AFL career was over on Monday but it was soon overshadowed by news the former Sun,
Docker and Demon had been taken to a Gold Coast hospital to receive treatment for intoxication.
Police were called to a disturbance at a Broadbeach apartment where the former first round draft pick had been staying
and were forced to draw their tasers before escorting him to hospital.
His mother said in the wake of the incident that she was worried about her son being stuck in Queensland will no family
support. Bennell’s pregnant partner Amy Crellin and his young daughter Carter had already returned to Perth.
“I’m his mother and I’m very concerned for his well-being and mental state,” Mrs Bennell wrote on social media.
Bennell is now reportedly likely to seek professional help after his recent erratic behaviour including what has been described as a full-blown bender caused serious concern. It came after COVID breach as a result of a drinking session effectively ended his AFL career.
Former Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said on Channel 9 that his former player is “going to need support” as he adjusts to life after football.
Troubled AFL star Harley Bennell has finally returned to Perth, after he was hospitalised on the Gold Coast following his retirement earlier this week. | @aristway27 pic.twitter.com/YNFmTiqTtk
— 10 News First Perth (@10NewsFirstPER) October 1, 2020
“I spoke to him after the COVID-19 breach on the Sunday night, and then over the last couple of days through text, because it was very hard to reach Harley on phone,” Lyon said. “A boy’s dream comes to the end. It’s devastating.”
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Originally published as Harley Bennell arrives back in Western Australia, in hot water over family airport hug