POLICE have questioned a professional footballer after an alleged assault on a rival player outside Hartlepool United's ground.

Shrewsbury Town striker Luke Rodgers was arrested over the incident involving Hartlepool de-fender Chris Westwood.

The drama happened in Clarence Road, outside the Victoria Park ground, following a close game which saw one player sent off.

Luke Rodgers sent ten-men Shrewsbury into the lead in the second half, only for the home side to equalise.

Westwood had been responsible for marking Rodgers throughout the Division Three clash, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Northern Echo's sports editor, Nick Loughlin, witnessed the arrest. "Rodgers seemed to be a bit fired up after he scored," he said

"The first we knew of any trouble was when some Hartlepool players were racing around the dressing room area.

"As we left the ground, four policemen were standing around the Shrewsbury team bus. Rodgers came from the bus and was soon put in the back of the police van."

Rodgers was released on police bail pending further inquiries.