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Cricket

Symonds apologies for hotel incident

26/11/2008

Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has apologised for a confrontational incident at a Brisbane hotel on Saturday involving a fan.

The 33-year-old was out drinking with members of the Australian rugby league team who had earlier lost the World Cup final to New Zealand.

Reports suggest Symonds declined a request for a photograph with a fan who subsequently tried to pick a fight and was later ejected from the hotel.

In a statement released through Cricket Australia, he maintained that he had acted appropriately.

"I maintain that I acted appropriately while at the hotel, but I regret making the decision to visit the hotel as I realise I put myself in a compromising position," Symonds said.

"I have told my team-mates that I am sorry to have put them through this distraction at a time when they are trying to prepare for a Test match."

In August the 33-year-old was removed from the Australian side to face Bangladesh and tour India after going on a fishing trip instead of attending a team meeting.

A month later he was advised to receive psychological help and attend a rehabilitation programme, a process which the cricketer admitted is "still going".

Symonds is still a member of the Australian squad for the second Test against New Zealand on Friday.