SUNDERLAND footballer John Oster spent a night in police cells following an incident in Durham's North Road.

The 26-year-old Welsh International right midfielder, currently on loan to fellow Championship club Leeds United, was arrested with another man early last Thursday outside the Studio nightclub.

Officers were sent to the scene after CCTV cameras captured a fight involving the two men and another who, police say, has declined to make a complaint and was apparently only slightly hurt.

The pair were held at the city's police station for about 11 hours.

Oster was cautioned and his friend was bailed pending further inquiries until January 20.

Lincolnshire-born Oster, who was bought from Everton by former Stadium of Light boss Peter Reid for £1m in 1999 and had a spell on loan at Grimsby, is hoping for a permanent move to Leeds, having accepted he has no future on Wearside under current boss Mick McCarthy.

Two years ago he shot Sunderland reserve defender Mark Maley in the eye with an air pistol in an incident the club described as an 'unfortunate accident' at Oster's former home in the centre of Durham.

Over the years Durham has been a popular drinking spot for Sunderland players but North Road, with its clubs and late-closing pubs, has become a known trouble spot.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "Staff monitoring Durham's city centre CCTV network reported a disturbance outside the Studio nightclub on North Road.

"Police were sent to the incident and arrested two men on suspicion of assault. Officers also spoke to the third man involved, the alleged victim, but he refused to give his details and at this stage has not lodged a complaint."

A spokesman for the club said: "Sunderland AFC does not condone any form of anti-social behaviour.

"The club is not in possession of the full facts about the alleged incident, so it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time."

A spokeswoman for club owner Vimac Leisure said she was unaware of the incident and unable to comment.