Kangaroo footy star Jack Ziebell is rushed to hospital after a group of men beat him in an unprovoked attack as he celebrated his retirement in Melbourne
- North Melbourne star, 32, left with facial injuries
- Was attacked outside a bar in South Yarra, Melbourne
- Victoria Police have launched an investigation
North Melbourne stalwart Jack Ziebell was the victim of an unprovoked assault outside a bar just hours after retiring from the AFL amid emotional scenes at the MCG.
The 32-year-old spent the rest of the night in hospital with facial injuries after he was allegedly attacked by a group of men outside a bar in South Yarra, the Kangaroos said.
After celebrating his 280th and final game at a Saturday night club party, Ziebell hit the road with a group of his Kangaroos teammates and some club staff.
Victoria Police were on the scene and are investigating.
“Officers have learned that a 32-year-old man was assaulted in what is believed to be an unprovoked incident outside a bar on Commercial Road around 1am on Sunday, August 20,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.
Ziebell (pictured with daughter Pippa after the final siren in his final match) suffered facial injuries after being attacked in South Yarra
The attack left the 32-year-old (pictured with wife Shannie and daughter Pippa) hospitalized overnight as Victoria Police launched an investigation
It appears the victim was pushed onto the road by the perpetrator, who was accompanied by two other men, before being punched in the face and kicked as he fell to the ground.
The trio then fled.
The injured man was not seriously injured.
“Police are investigating whether the attack may have followed a reported push-and-shove scuffle in the venue that led to the trio being removed from the venue.”
The attack took place at the popular entertainment venue The Osborne Rooftop & Bar, and owner Simon Lennox later described the incident.
“It was completely unprovoked, the group of men was not known, they may have been hit back when they entered,” he told police. Announce sun.
“Jack went out on his own thinking maybe one of his teammates was having a fight…then he got king beaten by one of the guys.
“He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’ve been caring for AFL football players for 35 years and nothing like this has ever happened.”
His Kangaroos might have lost the clash against Richmond, but Ziebell marked the occasion with this speccie of highlights about Liam Baker
Ziebell debuted for the Kangaroos in 2009 after being picked with pick nine in the 2008 draft.
He left the AFL on Saturday, with Richmond legends Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt also retired in the same game the Tigers won by 29 points.
The former skipper was prolific in his 280th and final AFL game, winning 23 disposals and taking a massive hang over Liam Baker to add one final clip to his career highlights package.
“He’s been such a hard fighter for the football club,” North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson said.
Always the team first, always sacrificing his own game for the betterment of the team.
“It’s actually quite a special day – three longtime players who have played footy for 14-15 years are all retiring on one day.”