Symonds involved in incident

The Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been cleared of any wrongdoing following an altercation with a member of the public at a Brisbane hotel on Sunday night.

Symonds was believed to be drinking with team-mates and some Australia rugby league players when the incident occurred, around 12 hours after the 149-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test.

Mark Lassman, the manager of the Normanby Hotel, claims Symonds was not at fault. He said in a statement: "This is one situation that neither got out of hand, nor was Andrew's or the hotel's fault. Andrew did nothing wrong and it's disappointing it's been reported in an ambiguous manner."

Lassman added: "A patron at the hotel attempted to hug and take a picture of Andrew Symonds while he was at the hotel on Sunday night. Symonds declined the invitation; further to that the member of the public continued to harass Symonds. Security guards then asked the patron to leave for inappropriate behaviour."

Symonds said he was just a victim of circumstance. He told the Brisbane Times: "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.

"The member of the public was subsequently removed from the premises as a result of his actions. I was sharing some drinks with other players and close friends and did not in any way provoke this situation."

"I would also like to take the opportunity to clarify reports last week that I am being treated for alcohol addiction. I am being treated for a stress-related illness and I remain committed to dealing with these issues."

Cricket Australia confirmed it would, nevertheless, be investigating.