London Wasps players Andy Powell and Tim Payne have been suspended pending an internal investigation into their involvement in a bar fight on Monday.

Police confirmed that they were summoned to an altercation at Walkabout in Shepherd’s Bush, although no arrests were made.

Powell claims that he was left in need of stitches after he was set upon by a group of football supporters. "I was knocked to the ground by a gang who then started to kick and punch me,” he told The Telegraph. "It was pretty scary. I curled up into a ball and put my hands over my face and temples but couldn't cover the back of my head.

"I was then hit by a bar stool and lost consciousness after that but I suffered a pretty bad cut. There was blood everywhere... I needed at least ten stitches but I am okay now. I am feeling sore all over, but it was just one of those things."

The Welsh international explained that he was drinking with former England player Payne when a disagreement erupted with Queen’s Park Rangers fans who had arrived following the team’s match against Derby.

“I think they heard my Welsh accent and started giving me a bit of stick," he explained. "We started singing a few songs and exchanging a bit of banter but then it all kicked off. I was asked by the police afterwards if I wanted to press any charges but I said I just wanted to forget about it and move on."

Powell last year received a driving ban after pleading guilty to driving a golf buggy while intoxicated.