A video that allegedly shows Ben Stokes throwing punches in a street fight has emerged on the day he was selected for England’s Ashes squad.
England vice-captain Stokes was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and released without charge on Monday, but remains under investigation.
Coach Trevor Bayliss has described the circumstances which led to Stokes’ arrest in Bristol early on Monday as “very unprofessional”.
A man said by The Sun to be Stokes is seen to throw punches at two men, in a video that was published on the newspaper’s website.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We have seen this footage for the first time tonight – when posted by The Sun.
“There is an ongoing Police investigation, which will look at all available evidence, and we do have to respect that process.”
In the 61-second video clip published by The Sun, the man alleged to be Stokes is seen to hit out and grapple with another man on the ground before seeming to throw a punch and fall to the pavement himself.
As the altercation continues, the man reported by the newspaper to be Stokes then throws another punch in the middle of the street and the person struck falls to the ground.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan defended Stokes in two now-deleted tweets.
“Seen the video of (Stokes). It’s not good. But I would like to know why the kid swings a bottle at the start !?” Vaughan said.
“The video is awful viewing. (Stokes) shouldn’t be in that position. But was he reacting & protecting 2 people from a random attack!”
jamesb
Guest
I was thinking the same.
doogs
Guest
i believe the guy who is backing away held up a bottle to a couple of gay guys. No matter, gay or not, i think Stokes was defending them. If that's the case then good on him. I am neither an England fan or gay supporter but if that is what it is then good on him. there is more than the video i would think
Jumbo
Guest
Mods, you might want to take a look at whether this post constitutes libel.
Jake
Guest
Laughable how the poms are saying 'wait for the real story.......he was defending himself and others' yet when David Warner clocked Root they (and the Indians) were baying for his removal - "life ban!, doesn't deserve to represent Aust at cricket..............typical convict'. Stokes is low-rent. Typically the poms will ignore pretty much any indiscretion if it helps them win. If they were able to ignore the PED efforts of bradley wiggins, mo farah and the rest of their olympic squad, ignoring a violent and cowardly thug will be no problem.
JoM
Roar Rookie
Fair enough, but if that happened here he would be locked up. Hales putting the boot in as well isn't a good look.
Barry Boland
Guest
What a jerk, the guy on the wrong end of it is backing away, end of story. Thankfully he represents England. He should never be selected to represent his country again, but I hope he plays the Ashes and I hope all of our supporters unload on him, poetic justice
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Why don't you all hold your water until the full story comes out - especially the bloke chucking 'cowardly grub' comments about.
Ben Sewell
Roar Pro
What's a guy to do when someone takes a swing at him. From all I've seen, Stokes is defending himself and his mates...
JoM
Roar Rookie
What led up to that though? Do you think he just decided out of the blue to pick a fight with Stokes and have a bottle in his hand? Maybe he was defending himself. You can see Hales I think it is trying to stop him but he shoves him away. The guy is a hot head and surely will have to be charged.
Diplomatt
Guest
He lays out a bloke backing away with his arms raised in a defensive manner. What a hero.
Ouch
Guest
Yep. David Hookes anyone?
Flying DoorMat
Guest
The cowardly stupid grub was the bloke swinging the bottle and his mates looking for trouble - they deserved what they got
Dodo Vita
Guest
What a cowardly stupid grub...and so much to lose. If anything, Stokes was lucky it wasn't even worse. As we know in Australia, too many street fights end up in one person cracking their skull against the pavement...and dying.