- Billy Vunipola was arrested in Majorca, Spain, following an incident at a nightclub where he was Tasered by police.
- The incident involved Vunipola allegedly threatening customers and employees with bottles and chairs.
- Vunipola was charged with resisting the law and paid a fine of 240 euros.
- The incident was described as an “unfortunate misunderstanding” by Vunipola, who denied being violent or threatening.
Newsypeople – Billy Vunipola Arrested in Majorca Pub Incident, England rugby star Billy Vunipola, a prominent figure in the sport with a career spanning over a decade, found himself at the center of a controversial incident in Majorca, Spain, which led to his arrest and a subsequent legal outcome. The incident took place at a nightclub named Epic in Palma, Majorca, at around 4:30 am on Sunday, April 29, 2024. Vunipola, who stands at 6ft 2in and weighs nearly 20 stone, was reportedly tasered twice by police during the arrest, following calls from security staff at the venue.
The police were alerted due to Vunipola’s behavior, which included making gestures with his hands and being shirtless, leading to a confrontation with the police officers. The confrontation escalated when Vunipola allegedly assaulted a police officer, prompting the use of a taser. Despite the first taser not discharging, a second projectile was fired, leading to Vunipola’s immobilization and subsequent arrest.
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Vunipola, born in Australia to Tongan parents and raised in the UK, has a notable career in rugby, having played for Saracens and England. He made his debut for England in 2013 and has been capped 75 times throughout his career. His family has a strong connection to the sport, with his father and uncle both playing for Tonga, and his cousin, Taupe Faletau, having been capped by Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
Following the incident, Vunipola was taken to Son Espases Hospital for assessment, where he had to be sedated and bound to his bed. Security guards and police officers had to watch over him until the medication took effect. A speedy trial was held later on Sunday, where Vunipola was found guilty of resisting the law and wounding, leading to a four-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of €240 (£205). He was also ordered to pay €500 (£427) in compensation to the person he injured.
In response to the incident, Vunipola issued an apology, describing the situation as an “unfortunate misunderstanding.” He clarified that contrary to media reports, there was no violence or fight, and he did not threaten anyone with bottles or chairs. Vunipola acknowledged being charged with resisting the law and paid the fine following an “express trial.” He expressed his intention to cooperate with Saracens’ internal process and apologized for any inconvenience caused.
The National Police in Majorca provided a detailed account of the events, highlighting the police’s efforts to de-escalate the situation and the necessity of using force to restrain Vunipola. The police officers attempted to calm Vunipola down, but he refused to comply, leading to the use of the taser and his subsequent arrest. Vunipola was released on bail pending an ongoing investigation.
Saracens, Vunipola’s current club, released a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing their intention to deal with it internally, without providing further comment at the time.
This incident marks a significant event in Vunipola’s career, highlighting the challenges faced by high-profile athletes in managing their public image and personal conduct.
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