Western Sydney Wanderers striker Kerem Bulut has been charged with intimidation following an incident at a McDonald's in Sydney's west.
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The 23-year-old, who joined the Wanderers this season after more than four years abroad, was charged after an incident at the Auburn fast-food restaurant on Tuesday night. McDonald's is also a sponsor of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
It is understood Bulut was at McDonald's with a group of friends at 7:30pm when the staff allegedly asked them to leave.
The group allegedly told the store manager that he should come outside and they would continue the argument in the car park.
Police investigated the incident with Bulut presenting himself to Auburn police station at 4pm on Wednesday - only hours before his side was due to play Melbourne City at Parramatta's Pirtek Stadium.
He was charged with one count of intimidation and was granted conditional bail.
Wanderers coach Tony Popovic said he was made aware of the incident on Wednesday afternoon.
"He was stood down from the game due to that incident," Mr Popovic said.
"Now it's with the club and the authorities and it's in their hands.
"That's it. That's all I can tell you at this point."
The Wanderers issued a statement on Wednesday night saying that Bulut was not considered for selection for the Melbourne City match.
"The club is working closely with police, Football Federation Australia and the player's management and can make no further comment at this time," the statement said.
The signing of Bulut was seen as a positive for the Wanderers in a disappointing season. Their 3-2 win over Melbourne City was just the side's second victory in 19 matches so far this A-League campaign.
After some off-field troubles as a young player, Bulut went overseas, spending nearly five seasons in the Czech Republic and Turkey.
On his return to Australia earlier this year, Bulut said he was now older and wiser and wanted to put his past behind him.
He scored two goals on debut for the Wanderers in their 4-3 loss in the Sydney derby on February 28.
"I've missed it. I'm even more hungry than ever to get back there and prove myself, because I feel I have got a lot to prove here in Australia," Bulut said upon his return.
"You mature as a person and a player."
He will appear in Burwood Local Court on April 7.
