THE son of one of the North-East's biggest car dealers was yesterday arrested in connection with the alleged assault of Sunderland Football Club chairman Bob Murray in a restaurant.

Nicholas Hardie, 29, was questioned by police after Mr Murray was hit in the face with a wine glass in Newcastle curry house Vujon, on Friday night.

Mr Murray, 59, was dining with his wife, Sue, and club manager Mick McCarthy and his wife, Fiona.

Mrs Murray sustained a minor eye injury from flying glass, but Mr and Mrs McCarthy were not injured. It is understood the former Republic of Ireland manager stepped in to diffuse the situation.

Mr Hardie's father, Philip, who was also dining in the restaurant, is the managing director of Richard Hardie Peugeot, the region's biggest Peugeot dealer.

Last night, Nicholas Hardie was released on police bail.

His solicitors, Gordon Brown Associates, said: "The family would not willingly become involved in an unseemly spat and are looking forward to supporting Sunderland AFC in years to come."

The incident was said to have started in the Quayside restaurant's toilets, when comments were made to Mr Murray about the lack of transfer funds being made available to buy new Sunderland players.

It continued later, culminating as the chairman and his party prepared to leave.

The club is rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, and both manager and chairman have faced criticism from fans.

It is not thought the incident was reported to Northumbria Police immediately.

A spokesman for Newcastle CID last night confirmed: "A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault after attending a police station today.

"He has been bailed pending further inquiries."