Young West Coast Eagles midfielder Reuben Ginbey issues statement after fine for embarrassing act

Young West Coast midfielder Reuben Ginbey has issued a statement after he was fined and hit with a ‘spent conviction’ for an embarrassing act.

Ginbey appeared at Joondalup Courthouse on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and failing to comply with police directions at a music event on January 4.

Ginbey, 20, was caught by police when urinating near a barricade at the Wildlands Festival.

On top of that, he did not provide his name, age or address to the police.

Magistrate Raelene Johnston said Ginbey made a “stupid decision” and slapped him with a $1000 fine.

Ginbey had another charge of indecent acts in public dropped as it was deemed not in the public interest to pursue it.

“I would like to apologise for my actions,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

“They were not to the standard that I expect of myself or others expect of me.

“I will learn from this and I thank the club for their support throughout the process.”

During court proceedings, the police prosecutor revealed the incident was captured on camera, and Ginbey was silent when questioned by officers.

His lawyer said that may be explained by the fact he was drunk — which was something he didn’t usually do — and shocked he had been apprehended.

Ginbey had “made the mistake of drinking to excess ... and not controlling his actions”.

“This is a one-off incident that he’s incredibly ashamed by,” the lawyer said.

“He’s incredibly disappointed to let his friends and community down.”

West Coast football boss Gavin Bell said the Eagles had spoken to the player about the matter.

“Our support for Reuben will be ongoing,” he said.

“We will continue educating and holding our players to the values and behaviours that we expect of each other.”

- With The West Australian