CW: Sexual Assault
Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault at a hotel in Melbourne, allegedly involving Sydney Swans players.
Take me to the start
Victoria Police confirmed, on Monday, they are investigating a report of sexual assault in East Melbourne.
The statement did not name any persons allegedly involved.
“The incident occurred at a hotel on Wellington Parade in the early hours of the morning,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“The exact circumstances are yet to be established, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.”
The Sydney Swans later confirmed “several players” were involved.
Sydney’s response
The Swans released a short statement at 9.58am on Monday.
It read:
“The Sydney Swans can confirm several players were involved in an alleged incident in Melbourne last night.
“The Swans have notified the AFL and relevant authorities and cannot provide further comment at this stage.”
The club’s chief executive Matthew Pavlich told reporters that “internal inquiries” are ongoing.
Pavlich speaks
AFL issues statement
The AFL released a brief statement, on Monday, saying the league was “aware of the matter”.
“The club made the AFL aware of the matter which is currently under Victoria Police investigation,” the statement read.
Why was Sydney in Melbourne?
The Swans were staying at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne after their 36-point win over Essendon at the MCG, on Sunday.
The club is sitting in second spot on the ladder.
What’s next?
An investigation led by detectives will continue, as will the Swans’ internal inquiry.
Some media outlets are reporting the players involved – who have not been officially named – will be stood down while police conduct their inquiries.
Speaking to The Agenda Setters, sport journalist Caroline Wilson said all players involved could be stood down pending the completion of the police investigation.
The AFL integrity unit is also looking into the matter.
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