THE captain of the Henley Hawks rugby team has been arrested after a man’s ear was allegedly bitten off during a fight in a town centre bar.
Police were called to the disturbance at the White Lotus Sports Bar in Hart Street in the early hours of Sunday, December 21.
Matt Payne, 28, was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grevious bodily harm with intent. He was released on bail and has to return to Abingdon police station on Monday, February 9.
The victim of the attack was treated at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
On the previous day the Hawks lost 9-19 to London Scottish at Dry Leas. Payne, a flanker, was not playing because he was serving a three-week ban for allegedly head- butting an opponent while playing against Rugby Lions on December 6. The club banned him for a week following the incident.
Henley Hawks chairman Phil Woodall said Payne would continue as captain, adding: “Until such time that Matt is charged, if he is, then the club has no comment. If the situation changes, we will take a look at it.”
Published on 12 January 2009
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