Kiwi cyclists in assault claims

2006-03-23 08:48

Melbourne - Two New Zealand Commonwealth Games cyclists face disciplinary action after reports on Thursday that they tried to strip a fellow teammate and urinate on her in drunken celebrations.

The cyclists were not named by the Herald Sun newspaper and New Zealand chef de mission Dave Currie refused to confirm the details, but he acknowledged "an incident" took place and the pair faced punishment.

"We are certainly in sport looking at some internal discipline around it," he was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Press Association.

"It certainly wasn't smart and the New Zealand team and the sport will be taking some disciplinary action around it."

When asked if the cyclists were drunk, he responded: "There was certainly some post-event revelry which wasn't smart."

But he said the cyclists had no intention of undressing the woman and urinating on her.

"There were some hi-jinks going on that were a result of alcohol. It wasn't something that we, and I am sure they, subsequently, are very proud of."

The woman later issued a statement through NZ team sports psychologist Gary Hermansson who has been helping her get through the incident.

'A non-event'

"In her view the incident was a non-event which should never have become an issue outside of the team, the athlete does not wish the matter to be perpetuated by the media as it is closed," it said.

Currie said the statement was offered by the athlete and not at the request of team management.

Victoria state police commissioner Christine Nixon said the incident was reported to police in the athletes' village, who decided to take no further action after interviewing the victim.

"We spoke with the young woman involved who said she didn't want any further police action, so we have left it at that," she said

"In assault matters our prime concern is always the victim's welfare, we understand she's being supported and given assistance from her team management."

The two cyclists have since left Australia.

It is the second incident at the village since the Games got underway.

Last week, a masseur with India's Commonwealth Games team allegedly indecently assaulted a teenage girl there.

Dewan Nabi, 35, was charged with one count of unlawful assault and one of indecent assault and was released on bail.

About 5 100 athletes and officials are housed in the purpose-built village.

- AFP