Star Bulldog target of police probe
POLICE are investigating an alleged incident at a Gold Coast venue involving AFL superstar player Bailey Smith.
A formal complaint has been made to police after the alleged incident outside the Burleigh Pavilion on the long weekend of the NRL grand final.
It is understood Smith, a Western Bulldogs star with more than 330,000 Instagram followers, has not yet spoken to police in relation to the matter.
However, a formal complaint has been made by a 22-year-old man. It is understood he alleges he was pushed by Smith in the early hours of October 4.
In a statement, police confirmed they were investigating an incident at the venue.
“Police have received a complaint in relation to an [incident involving] a 22-year-old man at Goodwin Terrace around 12.10am on Monday, October 4,” the statement said.
“The man was transported to hospital for treatment. “Investigations are ongoing.” An official police complaint was not made until some days after the alleged incident.
An AFL spokesman said it had been made aware of an incident involving a Western Bulldogs player, but at this stage would be taking no further action.
“The AFL has been advised by the Western Bulldogs of an incident involving a player on October 4,” a spokesman said.
“On the basis of the information we currently have, there will be no further action at this stage.”
However, a spokesman for the club confirmed a small group of players were present.
“The Western Bulldogs are aware of an incident which occurred in Burleigh Heads in Queensland on October 4, where a small group of its players were present,” a Western Bulldogs spokesman said.
“The club has conducted its own investigation and is satisfied that no further action is required at this point in time.”
Smith’s manager has been approached for comment, but is yet to respond.