Liam Ryan street fight video: Star Eagle cleared after AFL investigation

Liam Ryan has been cleared by the AFL after the star Eagle appeared in a street fight in videos on social media. Read what the AFL had to say.

West Coast star Liam Ryan will be permitted to play in the Indigenous All Stars game after being cleared by the AFL of any wrongdoing for his involvement in a street fight.

A WA Police and AFL probe into the incident concluded that Ryan was acting in self-defence after being set upon by a large group of people leaving a music festival in Fremantle on January 17.

Prior to the incident in question, one of Ryan’s female companions was assaulted and suffered facial injuries. The 28-year-old attempted to de-escalate the situation before he was confronted and a fight broke out.

West Coast star Liam Ryan (right) videoed in an alleged altercation in Fremantle in January. Picture: Supplied

Footage of the incident began circulating on social media following Ryan’s appearance at an All Stars press conference on the morning of January 18. The AFL has declared it will take no further action after concluding its lengthy inquiry into the altercation.

“The AFL Integrity Unit inquiries and investigations by WA Police determined that the altercation occurred after Ryan and his companions were the victims of an attack by a larger group of people while leaving the event,” an AFL statement read. “WA police confirmed to the AFL that officers were in the area at the time of the fight and that Ryan was being treated as a witness to an incident where his group was pursued by a larger group, resulting in one of his female companions being assaulted and suffering facial injuries.

“It was determined that Ryan attempted to de-escalate the incident and walk away from the group before being confronted, leading to the fight that was captured on social media.

Liam Ryan of the Eagles and Indigenous All Stars squad member has been cleared by the AFL. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“WA Police have advised the AFL that they intend to take no action against Ryan as a result of the matter and that he was cooperative and assisted the police by attending and providing police statements.

“It should also be noted that Ryan was not drinking on the night and was driving.”

It comes a week after emerging Eagle Reuben Ginbey was fined $1000 and received a spent conviction after urinating in public at a music festival.

New coach Andrew McQualter said the two off-field indiscretions weren’t what the Eagles stood for.

“Clearly we don’t want to be in those situations but sometimes things happen in our game with young men that we’re dealing with,” he told 6PR on Saturday. “Those things have all been handled really maturely and we’ll just get on with the season.”

Originally published as Liam Ryan street fight video: Star Eagle cleared after AFL investigation