Stokes axed as footage shows violent assault
CRICKET star Ben Stokes was yesterday banned from playing for England after dramatic footage emerged of a violent brawl.
Stokes, 26, had been selected for the Ashes tour hours after he was released from spending the night in a police cell accused of assault.
But selectors made a U-turn after the video images allegedly showed the father of two unleashing a flurry of blows outside a nightclub in Bristol in the early hours of Monday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced vice-captain Stokes and teammate Alex Hales, 28, who was with him at the time, will not be considered for selection for internationals until further notice.
In the footage, a victim appeared out cold as at least 15 punches were thrown in less than a minute.
Stokes, England’s highest-paid cricketer after signing a £1.7million deal, broke a finger in the incident.
The ECB said: “Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be considered for selection for England international matches until further notice. Each remains on full pay.”
The video clip shows a man appearing to attempt to strike somebody with a bottle. A 27-yearold man was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary with facial injuries.
TV presenter Piers Morgan – a friend of a number of cricketers – claimed Stokes had gone to the aid of two gay men who were being subjected to homophobic abuse.
Morgan wrote on Twitter: “Stokes has told friends he was incensed by the homophobic taunts, then saw the bottle being raised and decided to defend himself.” police