Carlton star 'punched fan in the mouth'
Cameron Baud 7News Melbourne May 15, 2014, 6:04 pm
A Carlton football player has been accused of punching a fan in the mouth, shortly after being approached in the street for a photograph.
The victim, 25-year-old Carlton supporter, who 7News has agreed to identify only as Mike, alleges that Blues defender Simon White punched him in the mouth in the city on Tuesday night.
He claims he tried to intervene when White and two other Carlton players - Dylan Buckley and David Ellard - objected to his friend taking their photograph as they were leaving a concert.
"Simon White kept on progressively getting angrier," Mike told 7News. "I told him to 'just move along, get out of here'. I told him 'we don't want any trouble' and that's when he punched me in the lip."
7News has been told that 25-year-old White has a different version of events, and claims Mike provoked the clash.
"There was no provocation of any kind," he said. "It's not like I went up to him and said I was from another team and said Carlton are rubbish or anything."
In a statement, Carlton Football Club said: We are aware of an altercation on Tuesday night.
"The club and Simon have been co-operating with police.
As the matter is being investigated, we are not in a position to go into any more detail.
Bryce Gibbs and Brock MClean were also with White at the concert, but were not involved.
As soon as I was punched, within less than ten seconds I couldnt see any of the footballers there, he said.
White was interviewed by detectives last night.
Police have also obtained security vision from the venue.
It is expected that White, who has played 32 games over five season, will be charged on summons.
Mike is also considering suing for damages.
