West Coast Eagles forward Liam Ryan has been exonerated by both the AFL Integrity Unit and Western Australia Police following an investigation into a physical altercation that occurred on January 17, 2025, in Fremantle. The incident, which took place as Ryan and his companions were leaving a music festival, was captured on video and circulated on social media, prompting official inquiries.
According to statements from the AFL and WA Police, Ryan and his group were confronted by a larger group as they departed the event. Investigations revealed that Ryan attempted to de-escalate the situation and walk away; however, the confrontation escalated when one of his female companions was assaulted, sustaining facial injuries. This led to the physical altercation seen in the widely shared video.
The AFL’s official statement noted, “WA Police have advised the AFL that they intend to take no action against Ryan as a result of the matter and that he was cooperative and assisted the police by attending and providing police statements.” It was also highlighted that Ryan was not under the influence of alcohol at the time and was serving as the designated driver for his group.
In alignment with these findings, the West Coast Eagles conducted their own internal review. Head of Football, John Worsfold, stated, “While our Club doesn’t condone violence, this was not a situation that Liam wanted to be involved in and he tried to de-escalate the matter before the altercation took place.” He emphasized that Ryan had fully cooperated with all inquiries and expressed the club’s commitment to supporting him moving forward.
Worsfold also mentioned the club’s proactive approach in educating players about potential risks in public settings: “We will continue supporting Liam while also educating our entire playing group about the situations they can find themselves in at public events, and the potential risks involved.”
With the investigations concluded and no further action to be taken by either the AFL or the club, Ryan is now focusing on his upcoming participation in the Indigenous All-Stars match against Fremantle, scheduled for February 15 at Optus Stadium. This event holds significant cultural importance, and Ryan’s involvement underscores his standing within the AFL community.
Reflecting on the incident, Ryan expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the club and fans. He reiterated his commitment to his teammates and the broader community, stating his eagerness to move forward and concentrate on the forthcoming season.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges public figures can face and the importance of comprehensive support systems within professional sports organizations. The West Coast Eagles’ handling of the situation highlights their dedication to player welfare and the maintenance of integrity within the sport.
As Ryan resumes his preparations for the 2025 AFL season, the focus shifts back to his contributions on the field, where he remains a pivotal player for the Eagles. Fans and teammates alike look forward to his continued excellence and leadership in the game.
