Hughes in tunnel incident

FORMER Boundary Park favourite Lee Hughes allegedly grabbed Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy by the throat following his current club Notts County’s 3-0 defeat at the weekend.

The incident occurred in the players’ tunnel following the game, which saw Paul Dickov’s side move to the top of the npower League One table.

Hughes, who received a good reception from Athletic’s fans before the game, became incensed at Hardy as he left the field.

The 34-year-old was pulled away from the incident, which occurred in front of players and officials from both sides.

An apology was sought from Hughes, which was later provided. Hardy was uninjured and the reasons behind Hughes’ actions are unclear.

“There was an incident at the end of the game in the players’ tunnel,” Hardy said.

“The matter was reported to the Notts County chairman and the player then apologised for his actions.

“I don’t wish to make any further comment.”

A former Boundary Park favourite, Hughes scored 25 league goals for Athletic in two seasons at the club.

The former West Brom and Coventry City player (34) joined in 2007 after his release from prison, where he served three years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Hughes was again in the headlines last year after apparently grabbing then-Athletic manager John Sheridan in a headlock on a meet-the-fans night at Belle Vue greyhound races, which was described by Sheridan as ‘jovial’.