Pennant claims tourists goaded him
Thursday, 16 June 2005 09:07Birmingham winger Jermaine Pennant claims his holiday bust-up was sparked by goading about his drink-driving conviction.
Pennant, who served a custodial sentence earlier this year after pleading guilty to driving offences, claimed today fellow tourists in Greece made fun of him for having to wear an electronic tag upon his release from prison.
Reports in last night's Birmingham Evening Mail claimed the 22-year-old was punched and knocked to the ground after calling a holidaymaker a 'muppet'.
"A group of lads taunted me about spending time in prison earlier this year and having to wear a tag when I was released," he told the Daily Mirror.
"All that happened was I told them to get lost - and that was it. They tried to ruin my holiday but I was not going to rise to it and I just ignored them."
The former Arsenal winger, who moved to Birmingham from Arsenal after the St Andrews club stood by him during his legal troubles, flatly denied any physical altercation.
"It is unbelievable anyone could say that's what happened. It's completely untrue.
"Most people have been really nice to me out here and I've been able to relax with my friends ahead of the start of the season."
