Club in Hamilton on Saturday night.

An assailant struck the 29-year-old victim in the face shortly after midnight.

After a brief scuffle two other men joined in to kick and beat the man to the floor.

The victim left the scene and told Police he had suffered bruising to the face and head as well as small scratches to the neck.

However, Mariners' club manager Carson Bean was surprised when the police report was read to him.

He said: "That's grossly exaggerated. I know there was a disagreement by a drunk patron who was ejected about ten minutes before closing time.

"As far as a fight, I don't think so. Definitely not on the premises. He was escorted outside.

"As far as kicked to the face as that Police report says I am really bewildered by that.

"I can't think the Police can respond to this and not talk to the manager on duty.'' However one party-goer attending the St. Patrick's Day bash at the Richmond Road venue said: "I didn't see the incident but I saw some guy who looked all beat up.

"There was blood on his face.'' CRIME CRM