England international Billy Vunipola has apologised for an “unfortunate misunderstanding” that led to his arrest in a Majorca bar in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Saracens back row reportedly refused to put his shirt back on in Epic bar in Palma, prompting staff to call police to come and intervene. He was subsequently tasered twice.
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Vunipola was taken to a local police station and appeared in court on Sunday afternoon, charged with resisting the law.
The 31-year-old released a statement today which read: “I can confirm I was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding when I was leaving a club in Majorca on Sunday, which got out of hand.
“Contrary to media reports there was no violence, no fight and I did not threaten anybody at any stage, with bottles, chairs or anything else.
“I was charged with resisting the law and, following an ‘express trial’, I have paid a fine of 240 euros. The Spanish police investigation is now closed, and I am flying back to the UK today.
“I will obviously cooperate with the Saracens internal process and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience to all involved.”
A statement on behalf of Billy Vunipola.#YOURSARACENS💫 PIC.TWITTER.COM/JVQIDAEIZH
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) APRIL 29, 2024
Bar owner Toni Rocha told the Sun newspaper: “I heard him insult police and there was another moment where he had his shirt off and hit an officer in the face with the top in his hand as the officer tried to reason with him.”
Mr Rocha’s business partner Janek Krause added: “He was very drunk and got aggressive.
“He didn’t attack any customers or pick up bottles or any chairs but he was taking his shirt off when that’s not allowed in our bar and refusing requests to leave.
“He was a very big guy with big muscles and a massive back. Our two doormen tried to reason with him before the police were called but it was impossible.
“He laughed after the first taser shot and only went down after the second.”
