Liam Ryan fight: West Coast Eagles star cleared of any wrongdoing by WA Police and AFL Integrity Unit

West Coast forward Liam Ryan has been cleared of wrongdoing by the AFL following his involvement in a street fight in Perth last month.

It comes as the Eagles confirmed they would also take no further action regarding the 2018 premiership star, with the club saying he “attempted to de-escalate the situation before facing a serious physical threat”.

The 28-year-old was filmed in a violent altercation in Fremantle on January 17, with the club and AFL Integrity Unit launching an investigation after the video emerged on social media the following day.

Ryan was leaving music festival Juicy Fest at Fremantle Oval with his partner when the incident occurred.

In a statement released on Monday, the AFL concluded that Ryan was acting in self-defence and that he and his companions were victims of an attack after being set upon by a large group of people.

The league added Ryan had been cleared by police and will face no action from the AFL.

“WA Police confirmed to the AFL that officers were in the area at the time of the fight and that Ryan was being treated as a witness to an incident where his group was pursued by a larger group, resulting in one of his female companions being assaulted and suffering facial injuries,” the statement read.

“It was determined that Ryan attempted to de-escalate the incident and walk away from the group before being confronted, leading to the fight that was captured on social media.

“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 should also be noted that Ryan was not drinking on the night and was driving.

“The AFL will take no further action.”

West Coast head of football John Worsfold said both the player and club were keen to move on from the incident.

“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,” Worsfold said.

“Liam fully cooperated with WA Police, AFL Integrity Unit and club inquiries, and he is now keen to put the matter behind him.

“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 Ryan cleared of wrongdoing, the premiership Eagle remains free to play in the upcoming Indigenous All Stars clash with Fremantle at Optus Stadium on February 15.