- Venue is being investigated after brawl and discharge of firearm
Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was reportedly present at a Melbourne nightclub when a gun was fired and a brawl broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police are probing a violent episode outside Prahran’s Love Machine nightclub after a firearm was discharged during a physical clash.
According to Seven News, police sources have also confirmed on Monday that Ugle-Hagan and some of his associates have previously ‘been banned’ from other nightclubs in the same area.
Several outlets have reported that the 23-year-old footy player was present at the venue when the incident took place, with Seven News reporting that the Bulldogs forward had been outside at the front of the club with an associate, before he and the individual had allegedly been involved in a ‘disagreement with another group’ before the shot was fired.
Seven adds that the individuals involved in the altercation are understood to have fled the scene, barring Ugle-Hagan, who reportedly went back into the nightclub.
Officers were called to Malvern Road at around 2.25am. No one was harmed as part of the incident.
Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has reportedly been at a nightclub during a shooting while he is on mental health leave from the club
The footy star was reportedly present at Prahran’s Love Machine nightclub (pictured) when a shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning
Victoria Police confirmed there was a firearms incident outside the nightclub on the weekend (stock image)
Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting that Ugle-Hagan fired or was in possession of a firearm.
The Bulldogs have since released a statement stating they are ‘satisfied’ their player was ‘not involved’. He has not been accused of anything in the wake of the incident.
Ugle-Hagan has endured a turbulent 12 months, stepping away from football on indefinite personal leave as he struggled with severe mental health challenges and admitted he had reached ‘rock bottom.’
‘Armed Crime Squad detectives are investigating a firearms incident outside a licensed premises in Prahran on 17 August,’ Victoria Police told the Daily Mail.
‘Police were called to Malvern Road about 2.25am following reports of a physical altercation between a group of people.
‘It is understood that a firearm was discharged during the altercation before the parties fled the scene.
‘At this stage, there have been no reports of injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.’
Ugle-Hagan’s AFL career has been derailed by a series of setbacks, both personal and professional.
Ugle-Hagan (pictured) has been working hard behind the scenes to return to the AFL after a well-documented fall from grace
Earlier this year he checked into a mental health facility after admitting he had hit rock bottom, struggling with suicidal thoughts and unable to cope with the demands of football.
His off-field behaviour has also drawn criticism, with footage of partying and controversial social media posts fuelling headlines and prompting senior figures in the game to question his commitment.
Speculation about his future has linked him to potential lifelines at clubs including Sydney and St Kilda, while his place at the Bulldogs remains uncertain.
Despite the noise, Ugle-Hagan has insisted he wants to return, finish his contract and prove he can still be a key figure in the AFL.
Victoria Police and the Western Bulldogs have been contacted for comment.
Prahran’s Love Machine nightclub has been rocked by multiple incidents in the past, including the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Ruka Carlson on Chapel Street in April.
Late July saw a brutal clash that hospitalised three men, followed by another raid on August 8 that ended in arrests and fresh charges.
Its darkest moment came in 2019 when gunman Jacob Elliott opened fire outside, killing security guard Aaron Osmani and patron Richard Arow, and wounding three others; Elliott and his accomplice Allan Fares were jailed for life.
The venue, operated by Sterling Nightclub Pty Ltd, has since been fined $20,000 for licensing breaches and has remained under police scrutiny.
Anyone with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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