Tongling Xu, Zhiping Zhang in alleged Auburn brawl

Two men who ended up in hospital following their alleged parts in a Lunar New Year’s Eve brawl have faced court for the first time.

Two men allegedly involved in a Lunar New Year’s Eve brawl have appeared before Burwood Court.

Tongling Xu, 39, and Zhiping Zhang, 53, were arrested on February 1 after both were allegedly involved in a large altercation outside the Chinese Cuisine restaurant in Auburn at around 11pm.

It is alleged that after an argument between the two men escalated, a group of men began brawling outside the front of the restaurant.

Both men were taken to hospital that night with cuts to the head and were arrested the following day.

Mr Xu was charged with affray while Mr Zhang was charged with grievous bodily harm for allegedly launching a glass bottle at the co-accused.

A man enters Burwood Court House, where Mr Xu and Mr Zhang were released on bail on February 2.

Mr Xu – who had noticeable cuts to his head – appeared in court via a video link from his cell, while a Mandarin interpreter translated for him.

The magistrate granted Mr Xu conditional bail.

He is required to report every Monday to the police station, not to contact any prosecution witness and not to go within 500 metres of any international departure port.

The men ended up in hospital. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Mr Zhang appeared in court in custody also with the use of a Mandarin translator.

The police prosecutor opposed bail.

The told the court that although residing in Australia since 2015, Mr Zhang’s visa had expired on December 13.

Mr Zhang’s lawyer Sara Jaric rebuffed claims her client was a flight risk, noting the accused had no previous criminal record and had “community ties”.

“The worry of Mr Zhang of committing another serious offence should not be a concern,” said Miss Jaric.

She said Mr Zhang was called into Auburn police station, which he did within the hour, and was then arrested.

“From that, it’s clear that this is not a man who would evade the police or court,” Miss Jaric said.

The magistrate sided with the defence, noting that “bail will be granted, but on very strict conditions.”

As part of those conditions, Mr Zhang was ordered to surrender his passport within 24 hours to Auburn police station, report daily to the same station, not contact witnesses and forfeit $2,000 without security.

Proceedings were adjourned for both Mr Xu and Mr Zhang for eight weeks until February 16.