Melbourne, Sep 25 A drunk Australian footballer allegedly assaulted and injured an Indian taxi driver after an altercation on Hoodle street here.

Michael Hurley, who plays for Essendon, has been arrested for kicking and punching the Indian cab driver outside a fast-food outlet.

Hurley, 19, boarded a taxi outside a South Melbourne nightclub about 5:30 a.m. and went to the food outlet, The Herald Sun reports.

The taxi driver when pursued Hurley for fare was allegedly kicked in the groin and punched, according to the report.

Police arrested Hurley at the scene and he was later taken to Fitzroy police station and questioned over the incident.

He was subsequently released.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the alleged attack was over a fare dispute. Hurley is expected to be charged for assault-related offences, according to media reports.

Essendon has described the player's arrest as "disappointing and unacceptable". (ANI)