This incident revolves around a late-night brawl outside the Continental Hotel in Sorrento, Victoria, involving AFL players Steven May and Dion Prestia, and a group of local residents, including the primary victim, Kyle Salter. The altercation resulted in Salter sustaining serious facial injuries, including a broken eye socket, detached retina, and fractured nose, requiring surgery and preventing him from working. The incident has sparked a police investigation, with conflicting accounts emerging from both parties involved.
The evening began with separate celebrations at the Sorrento Hotel. May and Prestia, along with their friends, were celebrating a bucks’ party, while Salter and his friends were having dinner. Both groups later moved to the Continental Hotel. The confrontation occurred around 1:20 am as Salter and his friends were leaving. Salter claims that words were exchanged between the two groups, escalating into a physical altercation initiated by May. He alleges that May punched one of his friends, triggering a brawl involving eight to ten men against his group of four.
Salter’s account details being kicked repeatedly in the head and body while on the ground, attempting to protect his face. He maintains he is unsure who specifically inflicted these injuries. He also recalls running away and being pursued before losing consciousness near a bush. Another member of Salter’s group also sustained injuries and required hospital treatment for seizures, low blood pressure, and a knee injury. However, it is not suggested that May or Prestia caused these particular injuries.
A female witness, who claims to have observed the entire incident, described the scene as horrific and fearing for the lives of those involved. She is cooperating with the police investigation and is expected to provide a formal statement. This witness corroborates the significant violence involved, strengthening the narrative of a serious assault.
While Salter claims the initial confrontation stemmed from an earlier encounter at the Sorrento Hotel, where he learned of May’s AFL status, the specific catalyst for the escalation remains unclear. The absence of CCTV footage in the area where the fight occurred complicates the investigation, making it reliant on witness testimonies and the physical evidence of the injuries sustained.
Both May and Prestia have previously denied responsibility for the injuries inflicted upon Salter. The Richmond Football Club has declined to comment on the matter, while the Melbourne Football Club, May’s club, has stated that they will cooperate with the police investigation. Both players are high-profile AFL athletes, with May being a key player in Melbourne’s 2021 premiership win and Prestia a three-time premiership player with Richmond. This incident places a spotlight on their off-field conduct and the potential consequences of their actions. The ongoing investigation will determine the extent of their involvement and any resulting legal ramifications. The incident raises questions about player behavior and the responsibility of AFL clubs in managing their players’ conduct outside of the sporting arena. The contrasting narratives presented by the involved parties highlight the complexities of the case and the importance of a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. The severity of Salter’s injuries underscores the serious consequences of the altercation, impacting his ability to work and potentially leading to long-term health issues. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in social settings, even involving individuals in prominent positions within the sporting community.
