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Billy Slater is one lucky son-of-a-gun. Like everyone following the rugby league World Cup, I was disappointed to learn the Australian fullback had been involved in a late, late incident at a Manchester nightclub.
I heard (and watched) him being interviewed at length in the aftermath.
I have to say that I was somewhat relieved to hear he had been cleared of any serious wrong-doing and would be available to play for the Kangaroos against USA in Saturday’s quarter final.
And then I saw this:
Self defence? Really? Maybe take another look. Am I seeing things? Just who is the victim here?
A guy standing in line awaiting entry to the club premises appears to say something and ‘Our Billy’ places both hands on him in what looks to be an attempt to calm him down.
The man then pushes Slater away with an open hand, but then – whammo.
A king hit if ever I’ve seen one. The man in question was not facing Slater and gets creamed by a heavy right fist from the Australian rugby league player.
OK, we are told the police questioned Slater at length down at the nearby station and, upon completion of their enquiries, completely absolved him of all blame.
They even asked if Slater wanted to press charges but he declined.
Obviously, I wasn’t there and there is no audio accompanying the CCTV video but it sure looks to me that Billy Slater’s reaction was way too strong and even bordering on vicious.
Why then, does everyone go to great lengths to downplay the incident? Daily Telegraph reporter Paul Crawley, in Manchester covering the Cup, says he believes Slater was the victim.
We hear Australian coach Tim Sheens told the player he was disappointed he had been embroiled in an incident that had taken the focus off the job at hand – winning the World Cup.
No mention about the time of the fracas, however, from the coach. Somewhere between 2am and 3am. That’s not when world class athletes are supposed to be in action.
It seems no penalty will be imposed on Slater who was “defending himself”.
On Instagram, Slater’s wife vented her anger on her hubby’s assailant, claiming he could have killed her man, the father of their young children.
Well, take a good look at the video clip again.
The incident in the club foyer was a gross over-reaction from Slater and he is exceptionally lucky to beat an assault charge and heavy discipline from the Australian officials, namely a fine and a suspension.
Let me say I have no agenda against Slater – he is an exceptional footballer. I am clearly basing my thoughts in this article on the CCTV footage that has surfaced.
Has Billy The Kid been hit in the backside by a rainbow? The other guy certainly wasn’t.
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