Players get hammered at nightclub

West Ham today joined soccer's growing list of shame after their players' alcohol-fuelled antics got them thrown out of a top London nightclub.

Eighteen of the side's first-team squad, including a number of England internationals, were involved in "appalling," scenes at Sugar Reef in the West End as their Christmas party degenerated into chaos.

Guests at the 1,000-capacity nightclub, a favourite haunt of celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham, watched as one player urinated over a bar and another vomited over seats and tables.

Despite running up a £1,800 drinks bill and being given celebrity treatment by the club, the players were told to leave by bouncers on Tuesday night.

Ironically, West Ham had sent seven bodyguards to protect the players from unruly fans, including two specialists in protecting stars at nightclubs - as they celebrated. One onlooker said: "They were spilling their drinks and being drunk and loud. One player couldn't hold his drink and was sick everywhere. The bar's security staff had a word with the player's minders and they assured them everything would be OK."

The 18 did not include Italian star Paolo di Canio and French player Fredi Kanoute. After being ejected, the West Ham players were smuggled out of the back of the club to avoid photographers. A spokesman for Sugar Reef said: "A group of guests were asked to leave as aspects of the party's behaviour could be detrimental to the enjoyment of other guests."

Today sources at West Ham said they were shocked at the players' behaviour in the current climate and pledged to discipline any players concerned. It is understood the main culprit will be fined two weeks' wages and warned about future conduct.

They admitted a player, not a regular in the first team, had urinated in the VIP area of the club and the party were asked to leave.

The players' party began with a meal at TGI Friday's in the West End.

The incident comes less than a week after Leeds players Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate were cleared of beating an Asian student after a drunken late night pub crawl.

Sources at Sugar Reef said the West Ham squad arrived at around 8pm and immediately began drinking beer and vodka in the VIP area.

Former Manchester United star Paddy Crerand has been charged with assault after a "road rage" incident near his home in Sale, Greater Manchester. Crerand, part of the Sixties team which included George Best, is alleged to have been involved in a row with 38-year-old Mark Taylor. He will appear before magistrates today.

Excess is part of the culture