Here’s some relief for controversial Aussie cricketer Andrew Symonds. A hotel manager has backed the all-rounder denial that he motivated a physical dispute while drinking on Sunday night.

Commenting over Symmo involvement in this case, manager of the Normanby Hotel, Mark Lassman said, “This is one situation that neither got out of hand, nor was Andrew's or the hotel's fault. Andrew did nothing wrong and it's disappointing it's been reported in an ambiguous manner."

Lassman also said, "A patron at the hotel attempted to hug and take a picture of Andrew Symonds while he was at the hotel on Sunday night. Symonds declined the invitation; further to that the member of the public continued to harass Symonds. Security guards then asked the patron to leave for inappropriate behaviour.”

Earlier, speaking with the media persons, Symonds said, “It has been reported that last night I was involved in a pub fight and I would just like to take the opportunity to clarify this report.”

The all-rounder further clarified by saying, "A member of the public acted unreasonably towards me while I was with friends at which time I took steps to remove myself from the situation. The member of the public was subsequently removed from the premises as a result of his actions. I was sharing some drinks with other players and close friends and did not in anyway provoke this situation.”

According to some media reports, Symonds, who has just returned to the national side after missing the India tour, was allegedly involved in a fight at a pub in Brisbane. The player was believed to be drinking with team-mates and some Australia rugby league players at the popular Normanby Hotel in Red Hill when the incident occurred, around 12 hours after the 149-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test.