Brisbane, Nov. 24 : Test cricketer Andrew Symonds has played down reports of an altercation at a Brisbane hotel last night, saying he did nothing to provoke the incident.

In a statement issued late today, Symonds said a member of the public had "acted unreasonably towards him" as he was drinking at Red Hill''s Normandy Hotel.

Cricket Australia is believed to be investigating the incident.

Symonds was reportedly drinking with Australian rugby league team members at the time, about 12 hours after the Australian cricket team sealed a victory over New Zealand in the first Test at the Gabba.

“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," Symonds said.

"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. I would also like to take the opportunity to clarify reports last week that I am being treated for alcohol addiction. I am being treated for a stress related illness and I remain committed to dealing with these issues,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Symonds as saying further.

The management of the hotel has endorsed Symond''s view on the incident.

"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," said hotel''s manager Mark Lassman in a statement.

Lassman described the incident as a non-issue, and added that "Andrew did nothing wrong and it’s disappointing it’s been reported in an ambiguous manner.’’ (ANI)