Former Wanderers player Kerem Bulut vows to return to the soccer pitch

Former Western Sydney Wanderers player Kerem Bulut has vowed not to let his current legal troubles prevent him from returning to the soccer pitch.

Former Western Sydney Wanderers striker Kerem Bulut is facing criminal charges. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Kerem Bulut has not given up hope of returning to the soccer pitch where his talents saw him labelled as one of Australia‘s most promising stars.

The former Western Sydney Wanderers’ player and star of the European leagues is currently behind bars with his bail refused facing a list of charges that include allegedly bashing his cellmate for taking too long to turn off the lights.

After The Sunday Telegraph revealed the 29-year-old’s situation on April 4, Bulut reached out through his lawyer, Lisa Munro, who issued a statement saying the soccer star plans to defend his charges and return to playing.

“Kerem is working through this difficult phase of his life with the support of his family and friends,” Ms Munro wrote.

“He is entitled to the presumption of innocence and looks forward to returning to the pitch soon.”

Kerem Bulut in 2019. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

The footballer was identified at an early age as having a freakish ability to position himself for goal scoring opportunities.

In 2010 was signed as a teenager to play for Czech club Mladá Boleslav.

Between 2008 and 2012, he was selected to play for the Australian national sides for 17 to 23-year-olds.

In 2015, he became a cult figure and fan favourite for the Western Sydney Wanderers.

But his career came to an abrupt halt in 2018 when he was banned for four years after testing positive for cocaine while playing in Turkey.

The following year, Bulut added to his characteristic tattoo collection by inking the work “unbreakable” where his right eyebrow used to be.

According to court documents, Bulut was taken into custody over an incident during a party at his Rockdale apartment on March 5.

Bulut during this time with the Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Police arrived at the Princes Hwy property about 10pm to find music blaring and several windows open.

As the officers walked in, they allegedly saw Bulut assaulting another man.

He was charged again after allegedly assaulting his 49-year-old cellmate on March 24.

It will be alleged in court Bulut was on the bottom bunk in the cell and instructed the cellmate — who was on the top bunk — to switch off the light.

The alleged victim is understood to have told Bulut: “Yep, in a minute.”

But Bulut then allegedly either repeatedly punched the man’s head or bashed it against the bed after the man did not move fast enough.

Police will allege that prison guards were not alerted to the 49-year-old’s condition for two hours.

The alleged victim was taken to Concord Hospital suffering a broken eye socket, bruising to his head and other injuries.

Bulut was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Bulut is next listed to face Sutherland Local Court on May 10.

Originally published as Former Wanderers player Kerem Bulut vows to return to the soccer pitch