Andrew Symonds says he’s innocent

Andrew Symonds has claimed innocence after reports about his brawl in a pub have appeared in the Australian media. In a statement given to DNA, the controversial Australian all-rounder claimed he did not provoke the situation and was not involved in any kind of altercation.

Reports in the Aussie media have said that the Queenslander was involved in a physical altercation at a pub in Brisbane. One report said Symonds was drinking at the popular Normanby Hotel in Red Hill with friends in the Australian rugby league team when the fight started. He was seen having a confrontation with a ‘member of the public.’ The incident, reportedly, took place on Sunday evening, after Australia beat New Zealand in the first Test at Gabba.

“It has been reported that last night I was involved in a pub fight and I would just like to take the opportunity to clarify this report. A member of the public acted unreasonably towards me while I was with friends at which time I took steps to remove myself from the situation,” Symonds said. He claimed the unidentified person was thrown out of the pub. “The member of the public was subsequently removed from the premises as a result of his actions,” the Australian all-rounder added.

Symonds also said he was not any way responsible for the incident. “I was sharing some drinks with other players and close friends and did not in anyway provoke this situation.”

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia said it was looking into the incident. “We believe there was no altercation,” a CA spokesman said.