Chelsea star Terry arrested

Terry was held today on suspicion of assault and being drunk and disorderly. The defender had been due to report to Chelsea's training ground near Heathrow this morning ahead of the club's crucial Third Round FA Cup match at Norwich City tomorrow. There was no sign of him, and he could now be dropped for the game.

It is understood Terry and Byrne were ejected from the Wellington for being drunk and abusing other patrons. It is alleged they then went back into the reception just before 1am and a fight broke out. The Wellington worker suffered a half-inch deep cut to the cheek. He was treated by ambulance staff at the scene but was expected to go to hospital later for stitches.

Police said no weapons were involved and they seek witnesses. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Two men aged 21 and 20 were arrested for alleged assault and taken to Belgravia police station."

Chelsea press officer Gwyn Williams said of Terry: "If it is found he has been out of line, he will be disciplined."

It is not clear whether Morris was there at the time of the alleged attack. He was convicted of actual bodily harm for drunkenly attacking a stranger near his home in Epsom in 1999.

The arrest of Terry, who has been tipped as a future England star, comes three weeks after 18 West Ham first-team players were involved in appalling scenes at their Christmas party at the Sugar Reef nightclub in the West End. One player was said to have vomited and urinated on the bar.

Although the Chelsea squad left for Norwich without Terry, who was still in custody, this afternoon it was thought the club was arranging for him to be driven up tonight or tomorrow.

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