Vunipola issues statement following 'express trial'
REACTION: England star Billy Vunipola has revealed his side of the Majorca story.
On Monday, the 31-year-old dominated headlines after news broke that he was tasered and arrested following an alleged violent incident over the weekend.
Reports said Vunipola was tasered twice by police after arriving at a bar in the island’s capital, Palma.
At one point, Vunipola had apparently removed his shirt and confronted passers-by. A report added that it took eight police officers to subdue and handcuff him.
He was then taken to a hospital where he had to be sedated, it added.
The Majorca-based Ultima Hora newspaper carried a video showing a handcuffed Vunipola, as well as other men, being led from a police van into a courtroom.
Vunipola has since been released after what he called an “express trial” where he was fined €240 (£205).
In a statement released by Saracens, Vunipola said: “I can confirm I was involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding when I was leaving a club in Mallorca 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 or chairs or anything else.
“I was charged with resisting the law and, following an ‘express trial’, I have paid a fine of €240.
“The Spanish police investigation is now closed, and I am flying back to the UK today [Monday].
“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
Vunipola is expected to leave Saracens at the end of this season and has previously been linked with a move to France, although nothing has been confirmed.
He has won 75 England caps, making his Test debut against Argentina in 2013. He is not currently part of the England squad.
Vunipola made an appearance as a second-half substitute for Saracens in their 15-12 victory over Bath on Friday.
Saracens are not scheduled to play again until May 11.
Saracens are second in the English Premiership and are chasing a sixth league title in last 10 seasons with just two rounds of regular season games left before the play-offs.
Additional source: AFP
𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧.#YourSaracens💫 pic.twitter.com/brNzGyhZNU
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) April 29, 2024
