Footballers El-Hadji Diouf and Anton Ferdinand questioned by police after nightclub brawl

QPR defender Anton Ferdinand (GETTY IMAGES)

Footballer El-Hadji Diouf was arrested and Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand questioned by police after a brawl in a nightclub.

The trouble left a 33-year-old man in hospital with injuries to his head and neck following the fight at The Circle Club in Manchester in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Diouf, a former player with Bolton, Liverpool and Rangers, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of violent disorder.

Five other men were also arrested and all have been bailed until May 23, pending further police inquiries.

Ferdinand, the brother of Manchester United and England star Rio, was questioned under caution by officers yesterday.

Diouf and Ferdinand were team-mates when both played for Sunderland.

Diouf, 31, originally form Senegal, is now with Doncaster Rovers, who were relegated from the npower Championship on Saturday.

Ferdinand, 27, currently plays for QPR, who are fighting against relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Police are investigating whether a bottle was used in the fighting.

The Circle Club, a members-only bar, has in the past attracted professional footballers from both Manchester United and City, actors from Coronation Street and reality stars from Big Brother.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A fight had taken place and a 33-year-old man was injured.

"He was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries to the side of his head and to the side of his neck, and he remains in a serious but stable condition.

"Six men were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, five of whom have been bailed until May 23 pending further police inquiries.

"Another man has assisted the investigation, which is ongoing."

No-one at the Circle Club could be contacted for comment.

PA