Shocking footage has emerged showing a professional Brazilian footballer allegedly attacking a retired American police officer and a bar worker in Thailand following a dispute over an unpaid bill.
Early Hours Confrontation Over Unpaid Tab
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning at the Tinder Bar in Udon Thani, northeast Thailand. Osvaldo Dos Santos Neto, 42, had been partying alone since around 3 am, ordering several bottles of beer and drinks for staff.
When presented with a bill for approximately 5,100 baht (£121), the athlete allegedly attempted to leave without paying. Bar owner Kanyanee Kaewnok, 29, stated he claimed he could not access his banking app, saying his account was locked and required facial verification.
"He sat there for a long time, refusing to pay the money until almost 9 am," a shaken Kanyanee said. "I wanted to close the bar and go home to rest, so I suggested that he withdraw money from the ATM in front."
Street Brawl Erupts as Locals Intervene
Suspecting he might try to evade the bill, staff followed Osvaldo outside. A row erupted on the street when he became evasive and repeatedly tried to reach his car.
Retired US cop Douglas Robin Barker, 74, stepped in to intervene. Footage shows the pensioner calmly recording the sportsman before being slapped brutally across the face, leaving him reeling on the kerb.
Furious locals then descended on the footballer as he rushed to his vehicle, with bar girls hurling their shoes at him. Osvaldo is then seen flooring one woman before being set upon by a mob of angry locals who pounded him with punches and kicks. Despite the attack, he managed to flee the scene without settling his bill.
Police Investigation and Club Silence
Police Captain Pongpol Piwphong of the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station confirmed the street brawl was reported at 10:40 am local time. Two male employees sustained injuries including abrasions to their faces, hands, and arms during the struggle.
Officers identified the suspect through IDs in his wallet, which were yanked by the bar owner during the scuffle. Police advised the injured parties and the shop owner to seek medical treatment and file an additional report.
Osvaldo has reportedly played for multiple Thai League clubs since 2015 and had just debuted with Udon United in the third tier of the Thai league three days before the incident. His club has not commented publicly on the matter.
