Western Sydney Wanderers star Kearyn Baccus charged with assault

WANDERERS star Kearyn Baccus has been charged with assaulting an angry resident who says he’s fed up with Baccus and his teammates using his street to park their cars near Sydney Airport.

Wanderer Kearyn Baccus is facing assault charges over a parking dispute near Sydney Airport. Picture: Gregg Porteous

WESTERN Sydney Wanderers star Kearyn Baccus has been charged with assaulting an angry resident who says he’s fed up with Baccus and his teammates using his street to park their cars near Sydney Airport to avoid carpark fees.

Baccus is accused of shoving Michael Johnson, 48, in the chest when he confronted him and two other Wanderers players on Duncan St, Arncliffe, on January 5.

It’s believed the players have a habit of parking in backstreets near the airport before catching Ubers in groups in order to avoid paying parking fees at the airport­.

Mr Johnson said he was shocked when Baccus allegedly stood on his toes and shouted “Why don’t you get out of my f…ing face and mind your own business,” before allegedly pushing him forcefully in the chest.

Kearyn Baccus yesterday following revelations of the assault charges.

“I thought ‘I can’t believe how stupid you are, you’re in uniform’,” Mr Johnson said.

He said he had already complained to the club about players parking outside his home, but decided to say something when Baccus and two other men in Wanderers’ uniform parked opposite his home ahead of their flight to Melbourne.

“I said it was great to see the Wanderers still using Duncan St as their carpark,” Mr Johnson said.

“Pretty cheeky I know, but we have to say something.”

He said the driver pointed out there were no signs on the street indicating restricted parking.

He said he continued to argue with the driver when Baccus, who had been a passenger, allegedly said: “Who the f… are you? Why don’t you mind your f … ing business? Why don’t you just f… ing shut up and get out of my f…ing way.”

Mr Johnson said he told Baccus: “Are you sure you want to be talking like this?”

Police will allege that was when the assault occurred.

Michael Johnson outside his Arncliffe home where he was allegedly punched by Western Sydney Wanderers player Kearyn Baccus over a parking incident. Picture: Mark Evans

The three then left in an Uber and Mr Johnson rang the club to complain.

He said after receiving no response from the club for several days, and still feeling sore in his bruised chest, he decided to contact police.

Baccus’ lawyer Peter Adams said the 25-year-old denied the allegations.

Having been bailed ahead of a court appearance next month, Baccus was named in the Wanderers squad to face Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night and is expected to travel.

But Football Federation Australia officials are still trying to confirm more details over the alleged altercation near Sydney Airport.

Wanderer Kearyn Baccus is facing assault charges over a parking dispute near Sydney Airport. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Under the national code of conduct, “commission or charge with criminal conduct” opens the way to a range of penalties including fines and immediate suspension. It’s understood that FFA is unlikely to make a decision until next week, allowing Baccus to play against Brisbane in the immediate term.

Complicating the matter is his scheduled appearance in court on February 28, the day Western Sydney are due to play away in the Asian Champions League that day, most likely against Shanghai SIPG. The court appearance would rule the 25-year-old out of travelling. There are also question marks over whether he will be allowed to leave the country for the away game against Wellington Phoenix next weekend.

Kearyn Baccus in action for the Wanderers against the Newcastle Jets in their most recent match.

Another option for FFA would be to wait for the legal case to run its course, and the response from Western Sydney, before deciding what penalty to apply, if any. For now the Wanderers do not intend to stand Baccus down, and he trained as normal on Thursday morning.

“The Western Sydney Wanderers advise that they are aware of a police matter involving Kearyn Baccus,” the club said in a statement. “The club has spoken to the player with regards to the incident and as the matter has been referred to the court system the club will not be making any further comment.

“The player will be available for selection for this weekend’s match.”

FFA said that they have asked for more details from the club and police and will then decide how to act. “We need to receive further information before we can decide the appropriate way to proceed,” an FFA spokesman said.

Originally published as Western Sydney Wanderers star Kearyn Baccus charged with assault