By Chloe Booker
A violent brawl involving up to 10 people in front of Shane Warne and James Packer's exclusive Crown nightclub left a man in hospital.
The incident outside Club 23, touted as a "boutique nightlife venue for those in the know" with a "sophisticated clientele", is believed to have involved the club's patrons.
Inside Club 23Credit: Edoardo Deluca
Management was forced to close the club early due to the incident. Police investigators allege the fight broke out just after 2am on Saturday, May 30.
In only moments, one man, in his 20s, received lacerations to his head.
Tiger Woods and Shane Warne at Club 23 in 2011.Credit: Joe Armao
Victoria Ambulance spokesman John Mullen said the man was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition just before 2.30pm.
It is believed there were more injuries, but those men had fled before the police arrived.
"It's disappointing that a violent act like this can happen in a public place involving so many people," Victoria Police spokesman Kris Hamilton said.
A 25-year-old Elwood man was arrested at the scene and released pending further inquiries.
Investigators attempted to speak with the hospitalised man, but he had discharged himself before they could interview him.
CCTV of the brawl had been obtained.
It is not the first time Club 23 has been associated with scandal this year.
Fairfax Media reported in May that Ishan Ratnam, who has authority over the venue, has been embroiled in a legal case involving Fiat Chrysler Australia.
Court documents allege former Fiat Chrysler Australia managing director Clyde Campbell used My Alfa Romeo, a company owned by Mr Ratnam and Mr Campbell's wife, Simone Campbell, to funnel money to buy a $400,000 luxury boat.
Mr Campbell has been accused of misappropriating and misusing more than $30 million of Fiat Chrysler's money to fund an extravagant lifestyle, including providing free cars to Club 23 co-owner Shane Warne and his former girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley.
The allegations were made in a Federal Court lawsuit filed by Fiat Chrysler.
Mr Ratnam is the vice-president of VIP Gaming Services at Crown Resorts and also has authority over its Capital Golf Club.
Club 23 opened in 2011 and has been frequented by celebrities including Tiger Woods and Harry Kewell.
A series of questions about the brawl were put to Crown Resorts media advisor, executive vice president Karl Bitar, but he refused to comment.
Police are urging any witnesses or people involved to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.