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Monday March 22, 2010

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Lance Franklin in WA bar brawl

Posted by: Tim Clarke, Fairfax Digital | 21 September, 2009 - 2:26 PM

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UPDATE, 3:40pm: Hawthorn forward Lance Franklin has been cleared of any serious injury or wrongdoing following a scuffle at a Perth bar at around 9.30pm on Sunday evening, where he received a hit to the face.

Franklin contacted Hawthorn officials to inform them of the altercation, which occurred while he was out with some friends.

“I was on the way to the toilet when an altercation broke out and I copped one in the face," said 'Buddy'.

There has been no suggestion by either police or the owners of the bar Franklin or anyone in his social group had instigated the scuffle, or retaliated following the attack.

Franklin, who arrived back in Melbourne this afternoon also allayed fears he had sustained serious facial injuries.

“I’m fine, no real injury, it’s just a bit disappointing to have that happen when you’re out just trying to enjoy some time off with family and friends.”

By Tim Clarke: Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin has reportedly been slightly injured after being caught up in a fight at a popular Perth nightspot on Sunday evening.

Franklin, back in WA after his Hawks' side disappointingly bowed out of the AFL season before the finals, was said to be part of a star-studded group at the Botanica Bar on Scarborough Beach Road last night when the incident occurred

A group which included Western Force skipper Nathan Sharpe, his former teammate Matt Giteau and fiancée Bianca - Franklin's sister was involved in a fracas not started by them.

Reports suggest Franklin suffered injuries to an eye and a lip in the incident, although Hawthorn nor Franklin's manager were immediately available for comment.

A WA police spokeswoman confirmed officers were called to a disturbance at the Botanica after receiving reports of a fight between two groups about 9.20pm last night - but would not confirm who was involved.

"Police did see one person with a fat lip," a police spokeswoman said.

"When police arrived they could see there had been a fight, but no one that was there wanted to speak to police or lay a complaint.

"If no one is complaining or saying anything, there's not much we can do."

A Force spokesman said the club and CEO Vern Reid had been made aware of an incident by Sharpe this morning, but would not be making any comment.

The pub is popular with sporting identities from the Western Force, Perth Glory, Perth Wildcats with occasionally players from the West Coast Eagles who enjoy a quiet beer in the garden.

Botanica manager Sean McCann said although he did not witness the incident, prominent sporting identities often were the target of thuggish behaviour due to their profile.

He said Buddy Franklin would probably be put off going out in Perth.

"He has told me before that he doesn't go out at all in Melbourne because he attracts a lot of attention. I would say that's what's happened," McCann said.

"There is that element who have to pay out on someone who has some sort of profile," he said.

"I don't want those types of people in my venue. I am happy to have the sporting people here because they're good people. But the idiots, we want to get rid of them."

If after looking at camera footage of the night the people responsible could be identified, they would be banned from the venue for life.

Violence in Perth venues had been rising over recent times.

"I haven't been over here long and in the industry long, but just in the last your or to years it has actually become a real problem, it's quite disturbing. We do our best to keep the rubbish out."

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