By Phil Rothfield
February 04, 2008 12:00am
CAPSICUM spray was used by police to subdue Bulldogs star Ben Roberts who was charged with resisting arrest and assault after a wild night out in Wollongong.
The club's chief executive Malcolm Noad last night confirmed the club was conducting an internal investigation and talking to police after being made aware of the the halfback's arrest yesterday morning.
"We're extremely concerned and disappointed that Ben's been charged," Noad said.
"But there were other circumstances which preceded his arrest and we understand police are investigating what happened prior to his arrest.
"We're told Ben had been set upon by an unknown group of males.
"He was king hit and kicked on the ground until he was unconscious."
The Daily Telegraph understands Roberts, 22, was taken to Wollongong Hospital by friends for treatment before returning to the Glasshouse Nightclub.
The incident that led to his charges occurred when he was being questioned by police about the brawl earlier in the night.
According to NSW Police spokeswoman, Roberts was "allegedly intoxicated and refusing to leave the area" about 2.40am.
The spokeswoman said he was involved in an altercation with police and capsicum spray was used to subdue him.
Roberts has been excused from training today while he seeks further medical treatment.
"He has had a number of tests today including a brain scan and he's not all that well at the moment," Noad said.
He was taken to Wollongong Police station and charged with resist arrest, common assault, refuse to comply with police direction and offensive behaviour.
Roberts, of Narellan Vale, was bailed to appear in Wollongong Local Court later this month.
February 04, 2008 12:00am
CAPSICUM spray was used by police to subdue Bulldogs star Ben Roberts who was charged with resisting arrest and assault after a wild night out in Wollongong.
The club's chief executive Malcolm Noad last night confirmed the club was conducting an internal investigation and talking to police after being made aware of the the halfback's arrest yesterday morning.
"We're extremely concerned and disappointed that Ben's been charged," Noad said.
"But there were other circumstances which preceded his arrest and we understand police are investigating what happened prior to his arrest.
"We're told Ben had been set upon by an unknown group of males.
"He was king hit and kicked on the ground until he was unconscious."
The Daily Telegraph understands Roberts, 22, was taken to Wollongong Hospital by friends for treatment before returning to the Glasshouse Nightclub.
The incident that led to his charges occurred when he was being questioned by police about the brawl earlier in the night.
According to NSW Police spokeswoman, Roberts was "allegedly intoxicated and refusing to leave the area" about 2.40am.
The spokeswoman said he was involved in an altercation with police and capsicum spray was used to subdue him.
Roberts has been excused from training today while he seeks further medical treatment.
"He has had a number of tests today including a brain scan and he's not all that well at the moment," Noad said.
He was taken to Wollongong Police station and charged with resist arrest, common assault, refuse to comply with police direction and offensive behaviour.
Roberts, of Narellan Vale, was bailed to appear in Wollongong Local Court later this month.
