Rugby league forward also involved in a car chase with police.
A Manly Sea Eagles rugby league player has been charged following an alleged domestic violence incident and a subsequent police car chase, officers said on Monday.
Tongan international Richie Fa’aoso is accused of knocking over furniture, kicking a door off its hinges and smashing a window after an apparent argument with his wife at his Sydney home.
He then allegedly drove to another house where the domestic dispute continued and police were called.
“Police attended the house … where they saw the man driving past the premises and attempted to stop him, however, he failed to stop and a police pursuit was initiated,” police said.
Fa’aoso was finally stopped with the 29-year-old charged with malicious damage, failing to stop a vehicle when directed to do so, and drink driving.
He was also issued with an apprehended violence order and is due to appear in court on Tuesday, police said.
The Sea Eagles said the incident had been reported to the NRL Integrity Unit.
“Richie has the full support of his wife and family and is presently undergoing counselling,” it said in a statement, adding that contrary to police claims “the family has asked us to make it clear that this is not a domestic violence matter”.
Manly made the Australian National Rugby League grand final this year, losing to the Sydney Roosters, but Fa’aoso missed the clash with an injury.
COMMENTS