Australian rugby player held by police over nightclub fight

Australian rugby league star Billy Slater was arrested following a bust-up outside a city centre nightclub in Manchester.

The 30-year-old was later released without charge by police after it emerged from CCTV footage that he was acting in self-defence when he threw a punch back at a 40-year-old man.

Greater Manchester Police said the incident took place outside Mojos in Bridge Street, Manchester, following a “verbal altercation” at about 2.40am today.

A 40-year-old man from Manchester continues to be questioned on suspicion of affray.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “One of the men threw a punch at the other, so the victim retaliated and punched him back in self-defence.

“The police were called and both men, a 30-year-old old man from Australia and a 40-year-old man from Manchester, were arrested on suspicion of affray.

“Officers have now viewed CCTV of the incident and the 30-year-old man has been released with no further charge."

The full-back had been out celebrating his team's third win of the World Cup tournament in Limerick ahead of quarter-final tie in Wrexham on Saturday.

A statement from the Australian team management said: “After reviewing CCTV footage of a scuffle outside a Manchester nightclub, police have determined that Slater was the victim who then acted in self-defence and has informed him of his right to press charges.

“Billy was returning to the venue to collect his jacket that he left behind when he was attacked.”

“The Australian team players were free of official duties after returning from Ireland.”

A spokesman for the Australian team said it was “unlikely” that Melbourne Storm player Slater would press charges.