TWO Saints stars have been arrested on suspicion of affray and assault in connection with an alleged street brawl with a fan.
Strikers David McGoldrick and Bradley Wright-Phillips were quizzed over an incident outside The Giddy Bridge pub in London Road in the early hours of February 7.
McGoldrick, 21, and Wright- Phillips, 23, voluntarily attended appointments at Southampton Central police station where they were arrested, questioned and released on bail until early May.
Yesterday Saints head coach Mark Wotte pledged to stand by his players.
He said: “I am aware of the allegations that have been made against my players.
“I have spoken to them both at length where they have explained to me what happened that night and I will support them 100 per cent.
“We are unable to comment any further at this time as the matter is under police investigation, however, I can assure our fans that everyone at the club remains focused on the remainder of the season.”
As previously revealed by the Daily Echo, a large group of Saints players were out drinking in the city centre on February 6 after their Championship match against Watford had been postponed due to bad weather.
Police launched their investigation after a 21-year-old man claimed that he had been assaulted as he was making his way home from the city centre.
It is understood he alleged that he was left covered in takeaway food and nursing grazes and bruising following the incident.
A police spokeswoman said: “Hampshire Constabulary can confirm that it has launched an investigation following an allegation of assault which occurred at the junction of London Road and Cumberland Place between 2am and 2.15am on Saturday, February 7.
“A 23-year-old man and a 21-yearold man have been arrested on suspicion of affray and common assault and released on bail pending further inquiries.”
Wright-Phillips was last year cleared of any involvement in a raid on the staff room of a Hampshire nightclub which saw teammate Nathan Dyer sentenced to 60 hours of community service after admitting burglary.
Wright-Phillips, who recently became a father after his partner Leanne gave birth, will be out of contract at the end of the season, while McGoldrick is contracted to Saints until 2011.
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