Over the weekend, video footage has been released of the moment a shirtless England player and Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola was shot with a Taser by police at a Mallorca nightclub.
The 31-year-old star, who has now returned to the UK and was reportedly greeted by Saracens colleagues at Stansted Airport, will be hoping to put the episode behind him.
However, as an internal investigation is ongoing, it is possible that the club may take disciplinary action, while the Rugby Football Union may take its own action.
Video release
Vunipola is on a short holiday in Mallorca and flew to the Spanish island after coming off the bench for Saracens in Friday’s Premiership win over Bath.
But what was supposed to be a positive respite turned out to be something entirely different. A British and Irish Lions tourist has been charged after being Tasered by police before being brought to ‘fast track trial’. As a result, the England player was fined 240 euros (approximately 25,000 yen), describing the incident as an “uncontrollable misunderstanding”.
Billy Vunipola ‘unreservedly’ apologizes for Mallorca arrest, denies ‘violence’
The footage obtained in daily mail Vunipola is seen being shot twice with a Taser, stumbling after the second shot, and then being restrained by police.
The incident occurred at 4.30am on Sunday, and although there appeared to be no one in the bar, Saracens No. 8, two members of staff and several police officers were blocking the exit.
At one point in the four-minute video, Vunipola can be seen laughing at local police before a second Taser is fired and he is taken to the ground before being arrested.
Incredible footage shows England rugby star Billy Vunipola being laughed at with a Taser by police as they tried to kick him out of a Mallorca nightclub at 4.30am. pic.twitter.com/VNAnZuoqTz
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 30, 2024
Vunipola said in a statement on Monday: “When he left the club in Mallorca on Sunday, he was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding that got out of hand.
“Contrary to media reports, there was no violence, there was no fighting, and at no stage did I threaten anyone with a bottle, chair, etc.”
He added: “I was charged with resisting the law and paid a fine of 240 euros following a ‘summary trial.” The Spanish police investigation has concluded and I will be flying back to the UK today. ”
premiership break
Saracens are not playing this weekend due to the Premiership break for the Champions Cup semi-final, but will return to action against Bristol Bears on May 11th.
Manager Mark McCall’s side are second in the league standings, four points behind leaders Northampton Saints, with two rounds of the regular season remaining.
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