What happened between Brazilian football star Osvaldo Dos Santos Neto and bar staff? Unpaid bill fight sparks Thailand controversy | International Sports News
Osvaldo Dos Santos Neto, a Brazilian professional soccer player, is at the center of a shocking bar fight in Thailand after he was accused of attacking a retired U.S. police officer and a female bar worker. The incident happened early Monday morning at the Tinder Bar in Udon Thani. According to police and bar staff, the fight started after Neto allegedly tried to leave without paying his bar bill.What began as a payment dispute quickly turned violent. Video from the scene shows shouting, pushing, and punches spilling out onto the street. A 74-year-old retired U.S. cop who tried to record the scene was allegedly slapped and knocked to the ground. A female employee was also pushed during the chaos. Locals then stepped in, stopping Neto as he tried to flee in his car.Thai police are now investigating the incident. The bar owner has confirmed plans to file a police complaint and take legal action. The situation has also raised questions about Neto’s future with his new football club.
Osvaldo Dos Santos Neto bar fight: unpaid bill sparks violent clash with retired U.S. cop and bar staff
According to witnesses, Osvaldo Dos Santos Neto arrived at the Tinder Bar around 3 a.m. and stayed for several hours. The bar owner, Kanyanee Kaewnok, said Neto drank beers until early morning. When the staff handed him the bill, it came to 5,100 baht, which is about $162.Kanyanee Kaewnok explained what happened next in her own words. She said, “He sat there for a long time, refusing to pay the money until almost 9 AM. I wanted to close the bar and go home to rest, so I suggested that he withdraw money from the ATM in front.”She added, “He walked out, but we sensed that something was wrong and followed him outside. He was evasive and suspicious because he kept grabbing his sedan key and tried to run to his car several times.”As the argument moved outside, Douglas Robin Barker, a 74-year-old retired U.S. police officer, started recording the scene on his phone. That reportedly made Neto angry. Witnesses say Neto slapped Barker, knocking him to the ground. The crowd reacted fast. One woman threw her shoe at Neto, and he allegedly pushed her down in response.Neto then tried to escape in his Honda sedan, but locals and bar staff stopped him. Several people pulled him out of the car and struck him before he managed to get back inside and drive away.Police Captain Pongpol Piwphong of the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station confirmed that two male bar employees were hurt. He said they suffered abrasions on their faces and hands. The bar owner confirmed that a police report will be filed and that the bar will “pursue legal action.”Osvaldo Dos Santos Neto, 42, is a winger and midfielder who has played for Thai League teams like PT Prajuap FC and Srisaket United. He had signed with Udon United just days before the incident. As of now, it is not clear how this case will affect his place at the club. Thai police are continuing their investigation.Also Read: Leaked Email Claims Missing Football Coach Travis Turner Case Was Hidden And Sparks Big Questions In Wise County Schools
