West Ham defender James Collins in wrongful arrest row

Angry James Collins was last night considering legal action - after being HANDCUFFED in a case of mistaken identity outside a London nightclub.

The West Ham defender, 25, was leaving trendy Japanese restaurant Nobu with his wife on Tuesday night when he was accused of taking part in a brawl outside the Funky Buddha club, in nearby Berkeley Square.

Police swooped on Collins, pinned his arms behind his back and slapped on the cuffs.

But they released him just as swiftly when it was pointed out that he was innocent. Collins is now considering his options.

The West Ham players had been given the day off and the club confirmed last night that Collins had not been breaking any curfew.

A West Ham spokesman said: "We have received a full explanation from the player of the events of Tuesday evening. We accept the explanation he has given."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said last night: "The Met can confirm that a man was arrested then subsequently de-arrested in Berkeley Square."

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