Having been bailed today after spending several hours in police custody, King issued the following statement on the club's website: "I sincerely regret that a night out with friends went too far. I have apologised to Harry and I fully appreciate that, as a professional footballer, I have a duty to behave in a responsible manner.

"I am assisting the police with their enquiries. Anyone who knows me, knows that much of what has been suggested is totally out of character.

"I am keen to resolve this as soon as possible and concentrate on my football. I shall be putting my all into ensuring I give of my best for the remaining fixtures."

The England international was questioned on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm to another man at the alleged incident in Soho, central London, in the early hours of this morning.

Police confirmed a 28-year-old man was arrested earlier today and had been bailed to a later date.

Speaking outside Charing Cross Police Station in central London, Inspector Phil Clare said: "I can confirm, in the early hours of this morning, a man was arrested on suspicion of assault.

"He has been interviewed at this police station and as a result of what he's told us we've bailed him to come back at a later date.''

The victim is understood to have refused medical treatment following the alleged incident involving the 28-year-old defender outside Punk nightclub in Soho Street.

The venue, formerly known as Nightclub Pop attracts a VIP crowd with guests including Kate Moss and Lily Allen, and offers table bookings with a minimum spend of £500, according to its website.

King, who joined Spurs in 1998, is now the club captain and played for Spurs in their goalless draw against Everton on Saturday.

The defender has 19 England caps and was a member of the country's Euro 2004 squad, although a succession of injury problems have hampered his career.

Tottenham released a statement this afternoon which read: "The club are aware of an incident involving Ledley King in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"We await details and information and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.''

The alleged victim, Wahib Butt, a doorman at the club, said King punched him in the face after he refused to let the footballer in because ``he was so drunk''.

Mr Butt told Sky News: "We refused him to come inside, again because he was so drunk, and he just started calling us different names, and he just started saying to me racist comments.

"He started calling me Paki. He was saying to me about I'm a fag, I'm earning less than him, he's a rich guy, so he got nothing to lose, but I've got everything to lose.''