AFL players Steven May and Dion Prestia are reportedly facing charges in relation to a brawl that occurred on Boxing Day at the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, leading to injuries for two individuals who required hospitalisation. Sources indicate that both athletes may be charged with affray and reckless injury stemming from their alleged involvement in the incident near the Continental Hotel in Sorrento.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Will Salter from Rye, sustained severe injuries during the altercation, including a fractured nose, a broken eye socket, and a detached retina, resulting in legal blindness in one eye. According to Salter’s account to the police, it was May who allegedly punched him, while Prestia was reportedly also engaged in the fray.
Both players have vehemently denied any wrongdoing related to the incident. Following the fight, a spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed that three men in total are slated to be charged via summons for their roles in the altercation, which took place around 2 am. The individuals included in these charges are identified as a 32-year-old man from Hawthorn, a 33-year-old man from Mount Eliza, and a 26-year-old man from Blairgowrie.
As details continue to emerge from this event, the AFL community is watching closely, particularly due to the serious nature of the injuries incurred and the involvement of these well-known players.