Manchester City defender Jason Denayer insists he had to defend his friend after being filmed kicking another man in the head on Sunday in Brussels.
Denayer waded in as his friend was being severely beaten, with up to 16 punches landing before Denayer intervened.
The 21-year-old, who spent the season on loan at relegated Sunderland, headed back home to Belgium at the weekend and has now been allowed to go on holiday. He will not be arrested.
Denayer admitted his regret after the incident but claimed he was defending a friend.
"I was on my way to my car when I heard a friend shouting," he told the Belgian press. "I saw that my friend was in danger and had to intervene.
Denayer claims his actions were in defence of his friend, dressed in black in the video
"I responded instinctively. My sole purpose was to protect my friend."
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