Ibrahim Behluli charged with affray and intentionally causing injury after alleged attack on Jack Ziebell

CCTV reveals what unfolded the night Jack Ziebell was allegedly attacked outside a South Yarra bar after helping two teammates.

The bashing of retired North Melbourne star Jack Ziebell outside a South Yarra bar was sparked by an earlier scuffle involving teammates Charlie Comben and Curtis Taylor, a court has heard.

The former Kangaroos’ captain was out celebrating with teammates and staff at The Osborne Bar hours after playing his final game when he was allegedly set upon by Ibrahim Behluli, 21, in the early hours of August 20 last year.

CCTV footage taken shortly before Ziebell was bashed was played to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, showing an argument between North Melbourne player Charlie Comben and Behluli and his friends Masihullah Rawani, 27, and Abdul Karim, 29.

CCTV stills showing the affray inside the bar.

In the footage from inside the bar, Karim is seen placing his arms around the head of Comben’s friend before he is pushed onto a bench seat.

Comben fell onto the seat during the scuffle before Behluli is seen jumping onto the bench and allegedly striking him in the back of the head six times.

The court heard another player, Curtis Taylor, pulled him off his teammate before Behluli’s group were kicked out by security about 12.52am.

Another patron was also struck and kicked in the groin during the affray.

Charlie Comben was involved in the scuffle, a court heard: Picture: Michael Klein

Teammate Curtis Taylor was also allegedly caught up in the argument. Picture: Michael Klein

The court heard Ziebell, who was not involved in the confrontation, was told there had been a fight involving teammates and left to check on a friend outside.

He was on the phone when he was allegedly confronted by Behluli who pushed him into a wall before throwing a punch to the face that knocked the footballer to the ground.

Ziebell, who was hospitalised with a broken nose and cuts to his face, had his arms by his side and was not prepared for the attack, the court was told.

Behluli then allegedly kicked him before leaving with friends.

Security footage of the moment Jack Ziebell was allegedly pushed to the ground and punched.

Rawani was on Wednesday handed an $1800 fine with conviction after he struck a plea deal with prosecutors and admitted behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place over the initial altercation.

Magistrate David Starvaggi warned him he was lucky not to be facing more serious charges.

“This is behaviour of the worst kind in a public venue where alcohol and public patrons are attempting to gather to enjoy themselves,” he said.

Jack Ziebell’s alleged attacker Ibrahim Behluli with his face covered as he leaves the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Ian Currie

Masihullah Rawani was part of a group involved in an argument with Jack Ziebell, the court heard. Picture: Ian Currie

“Whilst I accept you have a lesser role … your behaviour was intolerable and you are extraordinarily lucky you are not facing more serious charges.”

Behluli, who is facing more serious charges of affray and intentionally causing injury, asked for a sentence indication which allows a defendant to find out what punishment they will receive if they enter a plea of guilty.

Mr Starvaggi said Behluli would be fined but the hearing was adjourned until next week to allow time for Ziebell, who played 280 games for North Melbourne, and his wife to submit victim impact statements.

Ziebell left the bar to check on a friend after being told there had been a fight involving teammates, the court heard. Picture: Getty

Behluli’s lawyer Anthony Malkoun told the court there was some disagreement about how the altercation started but there was no excuse for his client’s alleged offending.

He said Behluli handed himself into police soon after the incident and was willing to be held to account.

The court heard the other man from that group involved in the fight, Karim, fronted court last week where he admitted his involvement but had his charges dismissed.

Wearing sunglasses, a mask and black jumper with the hood up, Behluli refused to comment as he left court.

He will return to court next Thursday.

“Between now and next week you stay out of trouble,” the magistrate told him.