Italian PM Matteo Renzi: I did not kick a fish that leapt into a boat full of world leaders at the G20

The leader says he was only trying to 'avoid' the creature

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (AP)

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has spoken out on the incident at the G20 in China which involved a fish leaping on to a boat full of world leaders.

Mr Renzi made headlines when witnesses reported seeing him attempt to ‘kick’ the fish after it unexpectedly landed on the boat’s deck, but the Italian premier has now denied the claim.

World leaders, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, had been on a boat tour as part of cultural activities they were enjoying at the summit in Hangzhou.

But despite the reports covered in several outlets, Mr Renzi’s office has denied both that he kicked the fish or stumbled afterwards, as was also reported by witnesses.

A spokesman from his office said in a statement: “Prime Minister Renzi only avoided the fish, that’s all.”

The story was covered widely in the UK press and also in the Italian media.