The Australian international rules player at the centre of an assault allegation was cautioned by the Garda in Galway yesterday before leaving for home.
Brendan Fevola was asked to report to a city Garda station, having arrived back in Galway late on Sunday. He was cautioned under the Adult Cautionary Scheme which was introduced into law earlier this year. It is an extension of the often-used Juvenile Liaison Scheme caution, given to youngsters for misdemeanours.
A week ago, Fevola was caught on CCTV camera holding a local barman in a headlock. The incident occurred when Fevola, who did not play in first Australia-Ireland international rules test in Galway, was drinking with several players in the Imperial Hotel, Eyre Square, on October 29th.
The barman on duty, Paul Murray, was sworn at by the player after he tried to calm some rowdy behaviour. When Mr Murray attempted to call the Garda, Fevola is alleged to have followed him out to the reception area and caught him in a headlock while holding a bottle of beer. A fellow player restrained him. Mr Murray sustained an injury to his cheek and was shaken.
Gardaí accompanied the Australian players back to their hotel and took a cautioned statement from Fevola. The Australian international rules disciplinary committee met, issued an apology and suspended him. He then left Galway for a tour of Europe.
Claims made by the player, which were reported in the Australian press, have been dismissed by Australian Football League chief executive Andrew Demetriou. Fevola had claimed that he and his colleagues were subjected to anti-Australian comments in the bar at the time of the incident.
Fevola was driven to Salthill Garda station yesterday where he was formally cautioned about his behaviour by Supt Martin Lee of Mill Street station. It is understood that he then travelled to Shannon airport to catch a flight home.
