..says Claire Stokes over ‘throat grab’ snaps

CRICKET hero Ben Stokes’ wife was last night forced to deny he had attacked her after photos posted online appeared to show him grabbing her by the throat.

The England star seems to lunge for Clare Stokes in the snaps after last week’s Professional Cricketers’ Association Awards.

But the mum of his two children dismissed claims of abuse as “nonsense” last night. She said they were just “messing about”, adding: “That’s how we show affection”.

Clare said: “Unbelievable what nonsense these people will make up! Me and Ben messing about, squishing up each other’s faces cos that’s how we show affection.

“And all before we then have a romantic McDonalds 20 mins later!” The alleged incident happened at the Roundhouse in Camden, where the all-rounder, 28, won the Players’ Player of the Year award.

Clare also posted a picture of the couple from the night alongside an image of her lightheartedly grabbing her husband’s face in the car. The Ashes hero retweeted his partner’s response from his social media account with a kiss emoji.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: ‘’We have spoken with both Clare and Ben – as well as others in attendance – who have all clarified the innocent context behind the still photographs taken at last week’s PCA Awards.

“Whilst it is not the case here, we recognise that for the millions who are impacted by domestic violence, this is a very real and serious issue.’’

One fan tweeted said: “Take no notice, most of the country have your back.”

But another said: “A should not put hands on his like that!”

Teacher Clare stood by her man during his high-profile court case after he was involved in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub.

Stokes was favourite to be BBC Sports Personality of the Year after his heroics in the Cricket World Cup and Ashes series this summer. man wife