Richmond backs Dion Prestia after probe into Sorrento pub brawl

Richmond has backed veteran midfielder Dion Prestia after investigating allegations he was involved in a Sorrento pub brawl.

Richmond has looked into allegations Dion Prestia was involved in a fight. Picture: Michael Klein

Richmond has “looked into” allegations midfielder Dion Prestia was involved in a fight outside a popular pub in December and plan to take no action against the veteran.

The Herald Sun first revealed Prestia and Melbourne premiership defender Steven May were alleged to have been involved in a brawl on December 27 outside the Continental Hotel in Sorrento and both players were mentioned in a statement made to police by Rye man Will Salter on January 14.

Salter, 22, claimed to have suffered a broken eye socket, fractured nose and detached retina in the skirmish and it emerged last week he had made a formal complaint to police.

A police investigation remains ongoing.

The Tigers in January suspended swingman Noah Balta for the opening four games of the season after he was charged with assault following a December incident.

Balta pleaded guilty to the charge and will be sentenced on March 27.

Richmond has maintained that Prestia, 32, saw the fight “but in no way was he involved”.

Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said on Monday there would be no penalty for Prestia.

Melbourne has allowed May to continue training and coach Simon Goodwin told this masthead that he was “incredibly comfortable with where it sits”.

The Demons have said previously they would “assist where required” for the police probe.

“No change for Dion from what we have mentioned previously,” Dunne said on Monday.

“We have looked into that and there is nothing further to report at this stage.

“Dion is training really well, he is back into training at the moment and we look forward to a strong season from Dion.”

Richmond says Dion Prestia will not be penalised after investigating allegations he was involved in a fight. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Prestia is one of a bunch of senior players expected to provide leadership to a young cohort brought into the club through the draft in November as the playing list undergoes a rebuild.

The 225-game midfielder played in all three of the club’s premierships under coach Damien Hardwick last decade.

When asked if Richmond players needed reminding of best behaviour in the off-season, Dunne said: “our players know the expectations”.

Noah Balta. Picture: Michael Klein

“I have spoken to Noah at length and we made the decision we have there but there is nothing for Dion,” he said.

Dunne helped launch the Charity Shield game against Collingwood on Monday, when the clubs will unite to raise funds for Foodbank Victoria.

Luckless Tigers spearhead Tom Lynch looks likely to play in that game as he moves through concussion protocols following a recent knock at training.

The full forward has been searching for a clean run after playing just eight games in the last two seasons.

“I’m confident he will play a game in the pre-season and get ready for round 1,” Dunne said.

Originally published as Richmond backs Dion Prestia after probe into Sorrento pub brawl