New Delhi: England Test captain Ben Stokes was reportedly drinking with England rugby captain Maro Itoje and other international rugby players before being involved in a nightclub incident in London.
According to a report by the English newspaper Daily Mail, Stokes and fellow England cricketer Gus Atkinson spent Sunday evening at the White Horse pub in southwest London, celebrating England’s Test victory over New Zealand in the first match of the series.
Later, they went to Rex Rooms, a nightclub in Chelsea known as “the naughtiest nightclub in Chelsea.”According to reports, a fight broke out in the club’s VIP area over tables.
Muslim rugby player Totua Ofua allegedly threw a punch aimed at Atkinson which instead hit an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard. A larger altercation ensued, although Stokes and Atkinson were unhurt and are not believed to have started the dispute.Bar staff said Stokes arrived at around 9pm, appearing “precious” and ordered large rounds, including “a lot” of double rum and cokes costing up to £25 each.
He was seen chatting with rugby players, including Itoje, Ben Earl and Jimmy George. Staff described Stokes’ conversation with George as “very cordial”.The incident led to the European Central Bank launching an investigation into a breach of team protocols. “The ECB is currently investigating a violation of team protocols following the conclusion of the first men’s Test against New Zealand,” the ECB said in a statement.She added: “Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were present at a nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning when the incident occurred.”Neither player is expected to be selected for England’s next Test while the investigation continues. The team is expected to be led by vice-captain Harry Brook.The controversy is particularly sensitive because Stokes helped impose a stricter curfew on the team following England’s troubled Ashes tour of Australia. Reports suggest he is now considering his international future, with one source describing the situation as “up in the air” and another saying: “I don’t know if he knows yet what he wants to do.”Stokes previously faced suspension following a 2017 Bristol nightclub incident, although he was later cleared of affray charges after a court heard he acted in defense of two men who had been subjected to homophobic abuse.
