Western Sydney Wanderers player, Ruon Tongyik suspended from A-League after sexual assault charge

A one-time Socceroo and A-League stalwart was suspended on a no-fault interim basis on the eve of the 2023/24 season after he was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a woman alongside another man.

A one-time Socceroo charged with aggravated sexual assault in company – which allegedly left a woman injured – was suspended before the A-League’s first round could commence.

Western Sydney Wanderers central defender Ruon Tongyik appeared at Penrith Local Court charged with aggravated sexual assault in company causing actual bodily harm on the day the 2023/24 A-League season was launched.

In court documents, police allege the Bellevue Hill man and another male sexually assaulted a woman in Mt Druitt in 2018, further causing her injuries.

Tongyik’s solicitor, Bobby Hill, made a brief statement after his court appearance to say the South Sudan-born league stalwart would be “vigorously defending” the charge.

In a statement, a Western Sydney Wanderers FC spokeswoman said the club acknowledged the seriousness of the charge laid against Tongyik.

Ruon Tongyik. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Tongyik in his Mariners days.

“Upon learning of these charges, the Club, in partnership with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), acted by collaborating with Football Australia to impose a no-fault interim suspension in accordance with the National Code of Conduct and Ethics,” the spokeswoman said.

“The suspension is a precautionary measure that temporarily suspends the player from participating in football and club-related activities while the matter is under investigation and before the court.”

The spokeswoman said the no-fault interim suspension “should not be interpreted as a judgment on whether the player has violated the National Code of Conduct and Ethics”.

The club will not provide any further comment while the matter remains before the court.

“Western Sydney Wanderers FC will continue to co-operate fully with all relevant authorities throughout this process,” the spokeswoman concluded.

Tongyik (right) with solicitor Bobby Hill (left). Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Tongyik was first arrested at his Bellevue Hill home on August 17 and refused bail by police, before it was granted with strict conditions the same day at Waverley Local Court.

The A-League stalwart must report to Waverley police station daily, surrender his passport and only possess one mobile phone.

Tongyik has represented Australia five times, running out twice for the Socceroos in 2021 and three times for Australia’s U23 team in 2017 and 2018.

Tongyik has been in his second stint with the Wanderers since 2022, having previously played in the red and black in 2018 and 2019.

He was with the Central Coast Mariners for three years from 2019 to 2022 and has also previously run out for the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City in his decade-long professional career.