Newcastle winger ejected from Manly pub
March 13, 2006 - 7:55PM
The NRL has been rocked by another alcohol-fuelled incident after Newcastle winger Brian Carney was ejected from a Manly bar.
Carney, the man of the match in the Knights' 25-6 win over Parramatta on Saturday night, was issued with an infringement notice for failing to leave a licensed premises and fined $550 on the spot by police.
The 29-year-old had been drinking with former Wigan teammate Matthew Johns - aka Reg Reagan - at the Steyne Hotel.
It's understood the trouble started just before 8pm when Johns asked barmaids to turn on the jukebox in the Ivy Bar, but was told this was not possible as a band, Mixed Nuts, was about to begin a set.
Johns continued to pester the barmaids about turning on the jukebox, which prompted security officers to approach the former Wigan teammates to ask them to leave, with Carney being thrown out of the Ivy's bar entrance after becoming aggressive and argumentative. Johns left of his own accord.
According to witnesses, Carney continued to remonstrate with security personnel outside, shouting "We haven't done anything wrong, I just want to finish my beer" before storming back into the establishment.
A struggle ensued with security staff, one of whom claimed to be punched by Carney, while Johns tried to intervene to defuse the situation.
Carney was eventually restrained as the police arrived to study the CCTV footage of the incident, which clearly showed the Great Britain winger pushing past security to re-enter the hotel.
While the police were studying the tape, Johns told bemused observers: "The decision is pending via the video referee."
The hotel claimed a window had been cracked and a security guard punched during the scuffle with Carney, but did not pursue the matter.
It's understood Carney told hotel patrons "I don't care what happens, I don't care if the media finds out," before Johns turned to him and said "Well actually, you should worry mate."
Newcastle chief executive Ken Conway said the club has been informed by police that, in their view, the infringement notice was sufficient punishment under the circumstances.
"I agree with police and in this instance regard the fine and the embarrassment Brian has suffered as sufficient punishment."
Asked about the incident Johns said: "I released a statement of what went on with (manager) John Fordham, so I'd rather do it like that."
Fordham's statement said Johns left the hotel in "an orderly fashion" and denied "excessive alcohol consumption was involved".
"From information I have been given, it appears that it was only when Brian Carney attempted to re-enter the hotel, believing he'd misplaced his wallet, that an incident involving him occurred," it read.
Les Elliott, one of the senior managers at the hotel, said he was yet to interview all of his staff about the incident.
"I'm investigating the matter and I won't accuse anyone of anything till such time as I have the evidence in front of me," he said.
"I haven't spoken to security or the night management yet from last night.
"It's all been given a clean bill of health at the moment but that's not to say it won't change overnight."
From:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Ne...-from-Manly-pub/2006/03/13/1142098400476.html
