Billy Vunipola has broken his silence on his arrest in Mallorca after it emerged he had to be tasered twice, tranquilised and tied to his bed.
The 31-year-old was photographed laughing when the first taser attempt failed, with police rushing to a bar called Epic in the island capital Palma at 4.30am on Sunday morning after calls from security staff.
According to local reports, the sportsman, who was born in Australia to Tongan parents and moved to Britain with his family as a young child, took off his shirt and threatened customers and employees with bottles and chairs, although he has now denied any wrongdoing to have issued. hazards.
A statement on behalf of the player was shared on social media just before midday on Monday.
In it, Vunipola claimed that the incident was ‘a misunderstanding’ and that the case has now been closed after an express trial and a fine.
Billy Vunipola has broken his silence after he was arrested and tasered at a Mallorca nightclub on Sunday
The English star club, Saracens, has released a statement on social media on behalf of the number 8
Vunipola said the incident was “an unfortunate misunderstanding” and denied there was any violence
“I can confirm that I was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding when leaving a club in Mallorca on Sunday, which got out of hand,” the statement said. ‘Contrary to media reports, there was no violence, no fight, and at no time did I threaten anyone with bottles, chairs or anything else.
‘I was accused of resisting the law and after a ‘speedy trial’ I paid a fine of 240 euros. The Spanish police investigation is now closed and I am flying back to Britain today.
‘I will of course cooperate with Saracens’ internal process and apologize unreservedly for any inconvenience caused to anyone involved.’
Saracens are conducting their own investigation following the incident and are sharing a club statement explaining their action plan.
“Saracens are aware of an incident involving Billy Vunipola in Mallorca,” the statement said. ‘We will of course handle this incident internally and will make no further comment until then.’
Saracens also released their own statement, sharing that they will deal with the matter ‘internally’
Vunipola, a rugby union No 8, was taken to nearby Son Espases Hospital after being detained, where he had to be sedated and strapped to his bed.
Until the medication took effect, several guards and police officers had to watch over him.
He was produced in court on Sunday, wearing the same blue T-shirt and beige shorts in which he was arrested, after the incident in the early hours.