New Zealand's cricketers were involved in a brawl outside a nightclub in Durban on Thursday.
Black Caps all-rounder Chris Cairns was felled by a punch and suffered a cut mouth, while other members of the team were confronted and jostled.
Armed security guards, employed to protect the team, intervened and bundled the players into cars which took them back to their hotel.
Cairns did not accompany the rest of the New Zealand team as they flew to Johannesburg later on Friday.
A team official said Cairns had stayed back in Durban for "business reasons".
New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) journalist Mark Geenty was inside the club with team physiotherapist Dayle Shackel and media officer Simon Wilson when the players were accosted outside.
"It was pretty tense. We were told to get out of there - we went," said Geenty.
The close protectors of the South African Police Service were on hand to ensure that the situation was managed to the satisfaction of all concerned
World Cup security spokesman
The group caught up in the scuffle included Cairns, captain Stephen Fleming, Craig McMillan, Andre Adams, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram and Kyle Mills.
Black Caps team manager Jeff Crowe said he had given permission for a team night out and that he was aware they would be watched over by the security guards.
"The incident happened outside the nightclub," said Crowe.
"Cairns had been asked to leave the nightclub by bar staff after reported loud behavior by several members of the team.
"I am reviewing the incident with regard to player safety, security and behavior and will be speaking to the players and South African police.
"I have, however, been advised by the South African police that the incident was unprovoked and was not related to any issue between Cairns and the person who assaulted him."
No formal changes
Bala Naidoo, a spokesman for the World Cup security directorate, gave details of the incident in a statement.
"In the early hours of Friday, two New Zealand cricketers were asked by the management of the Tiger, Tiger Club to leave the club," the statement began.
"It is alleged the two cricketers removed their shirts to exchange them with each other. This was apparently not in accordance with the club policy.
"They were requested by the club management to leave, which the cricketers complied with.
"The close protectors of the South African Police Service were on hand to ensure that the situation was managed to the satisfaction of all concerned.
"No formal charges were laid by either parties and as such there are no police investigations into this matter."
The Black Caps beat South Africa in Johannesburg last week to jeopardise the hosts' chances of making the Super Sixes stage.
They were taking a break in Durban after forfeiting their match against Kenya because of security concerns.
Bloddy Hell!!!! Imagine a footballer had done somethin; like that (Terry)...how much trobule footballer'z get into...I hope the same happens to Cairns....
<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/cwc2003/hi/newsid_2780000/newsid_2786200/2786287.stm" target="_blank">HERE IT IS!!!</a>
Black Caps all-rounder Chris Cairns was felled by a punch and suffered a cut mouth, while other members of the team were confronted and jostled.
Armed security guards, employed to protect the team, intervened and bundled the players into cars which took them back to their hotel.
Cairns did not accompany the rest of the New Zealand team as they flew to Johannesburg later on Friday.
A team official said Cairns had stayed back in Durban for "business reasons".
New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) journalist Mark Geenty was inside the club with team physiotherapist Dayle Shackel and media officer Simon Wilson when the players were accosted outside.
"It was pretty tense. We were told to get out of there - we went," said Geenty.
The close protectors of the South African Police Service were on hand to ensure that the situation was managed to the satisfaction of all concerned
World Cup security spokesman
The group caught up in the scuffle included Cairns, captain Stephen Fleming, Craig McMillan, Andre Adams, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram and Kyle Mills.
Black Caps team manager Jeff Crowe said he had given permission for a team night out and that he was aware they would be watched over by the security guards.
"The incident happened outside the nightclub," said Crowe.
"Cairns had been asked to leave the nightclub by bar staff after reported loud behavior by several members of the team.
"I am reviewing the incident with regard to player safety, security and behavior and will be speaking to the players and South African police.
"I have, however, been advised by the South African police that the incident was unprovoked and was not related to any issue between Cairns and the person who assaulted him."
No formal changes
Bala Naidoo, a spokesman for the World Cup security directorate, gave details of the incident in a statement.
"In the early hours of Friday, two New Zealand cricketers were asked by the management of the Tiger, Tiger Club to leave the club," the statement began.
"It is alleged the two cricketers removed their shirts to exchange them with each other. This was apparently not in accordance with the club policy.
"They were requested by the club management to leave, which the cricketers complied with.
"The close protectors of the South African Police Service were on hand to ensure that the situation was managed to the satisfaction of all concerned.
"No formal charges were laid by either parties and as such there are no police investigations into this matter."
The Black Caps beat South Africa in Johannesburg last week to jeopardise the hosts' chances of making the Super Sixes stage.
They were taking a break in Durban after forfeiting their match against Kenya because of security concerns.
Bloddy Hell!!!! Imagine a footballer had done somethin; like that (Terry)...how much trobule footballer'z get into...I hope the same happens to Cairns....
<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/cwc2003/hi/newsid_2780000/newsid_2786200/2786287.stm" target="_blank">HERE IT IS!!!</a>
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