Billy Vunipola breaks silence on ‘unfortunate misunderstanding’ after tasering and arrest

England rugby star Billy Vunipola has claimed he was the sufferer of an “unlucky misunderstanding’ after being arrested and tasered by police in Mallorca within the early hours of Sunday morning.

Stories in Spanish media had said that Vunipola was tasered by police at round 4:30am at Epic bar in Palma, after he turned aggressive and allegedly threatened workers and drinkers with bottles and chairs.

The 6ft 2in, 20-stone again row is claimed to have challenged cops earlier than they tasered and eventually handcuffed him, with reviews stating he was then sedated and strapped to his mattress at a close-by hospital.

Vunipola’s membership Saracens confirmed they were aware of an incident and coping with it internally earlier than the 31-year-old launched an announcement on Monday morning denying using violence however admitting he was charged with resisting the legislation and apologising unreservedly.

Vunipola said: “I can verify I used to be concerned in an unlucky misunderstanding after I was leaving a membership in Mallorca on Sunday, which obtained out of hand.

“Opposite to media reviews, there was no violence, no battle and I didn’t threaten anyone at any stage, with bottles or chairs or anything. I used to be charged with resisting the legislation and, following an ‘specific trial’, I’ve paid a wonderful of 240 euros.

“The Spanish police investigation is now closed, and I’m flying again to the UK immediately. I’ll clearly cooperate with the Saracens inner course of and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience to all concerned.”

The 31-year-old has gained 75 England caps throughout a profitable 10-year worldwide profession, though his final look got here in 2023 and after lacking out on choice for the 2024 Six Nations, he’s anticipated to depart Saracens on the finish of the season for French aspect Montpellier – which might finish his England profession.

Vunipola performed for Saracens in opposition to Tub on Friday night time earlier than happening vacation, with the membership not concerned on this weekend’s European semi-finals.

Though it isn’t confirmed that Vunipola was consuming through the incident, he has had earlier alcohol-related run-ins. In the course of the 2019 Six Nations, he missed curfew on the England staff resort following an evening out with former England centre Ben Te’o.

That incident got here shortly after Vunipola instructed The Instances in November 2018 that he had stopped consuming following a critical dialog through the summer time along with his household, together with his brother, Mako. “I had a lecture off my mum and pop, and my brother, and I lastly listened to them. I’ve stopped consuming.”

Saracens sit second within the Gallagher Premiership and are chasing a sixth league title in final 10 seasons with simply two rounds of normal season video games left earlier than the play-offs.