Shame of drunken West Ham stars

In another incident a player unzipped his trousers and urinated over a bar in front of a woman guest. She was heard shouting "Oh my God, he's weeing on the bar."

The 24 did not include Italian star Paolo di Canio and French player Frederic Kanoute.

West Ham manager Glenn Roeder said he was " disappointed" with one player. "He soured the night for everyone. We couldn't have done any more. We even informed West End Central police that the players would be in their area.

"Twenty-four players went out together and they all behaved themselves except for one. When the incident occurred, most of the players were already back home." Roeder refused to name the player but said he would be fined. "I am really concerned that the game has not had a good profile recently," Roeder added.

Sugar Reef spokesman Jon Yantin confirmed that the group were ejected "immediately" after their behaviour was reported to staff. He said: "We are not in favour of that sort of insulting behaviour. If it is not conducive to the general enjoyment of our guests, those responsible will always be asked to leave."

Mr Yantin said no decision had been taken on whether to bar the players involved. One employee said he believed at least one member of West Ham's youth team was among the group.

It is understood the main culprit will be fined two weeks' wages and warned about future conduct.

In a statement West Ham said: "The players met in a restaurant in the West End and were accompanied by several security personnel and a senior member of staff.

"After the meal a number of players went to a club where they were accommodated in a private area. Unfortunately a minor incident occurred after the majority of players had left for home, and following this incident it was decided that the party should leave the club.

"The team manager will deal with the player involved in the appropriate manner. No other action will be taken against any other member of the squad. The senior member of staff accompanying the party apologised to the manager of the club.

"This incident marred an otherwise enjoyable evening in which the players never compromised their position as professional footballers.

"Once the internal disciplinary issue has been dealt with, West Ham United will consider the matter closed."

The players' party had begun with a meal at TGI Friday 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.

Former Manchester United star Paddy Crerand appeared in court today charged with unlawful wounding 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. Crerand was bailed until February.

Excess is part of the culture
COMMENT: Hammered