Football: Paul Gascoigne hospitalised after boozy altercation

Paul Gascoigne waves after a match in 2006. Photo / Getty Images

Former England star Paul Gascoigne was hospitalised after an alcohol-fuelled altercation at a London hotel, British media reported on Wednesday.

Gascoigne, 49, was accused of "racially abusing" fellow customers, groping women and throwing money around, witnesses said.

This may be 1 of the weirdest tweets I've sent:I'm in Ace Hotel trying to read but can't because Paul Gascoigne is behind me causing trouble

— Alvin Carpio (@AlvinCarpio) December 27, 2016

It gets crazier: Gazza has just been kicked down the stairs by a guy whose friend got slapped by him. He really isn't in a good place.

— Alvin Carpio (@AlvinCarpio) December 27, 2016

It's a sad state: He's been spitting, making racist remarks & groping women, all while throwing around £ notes & stating his dad has cancer.

— Alvin Carpio (@AlvinCarpio) December 27, 2016

The police have arrived. I think they're sorting things out. #Gazza pic.twitter.com/Ry0BsCt1bm

— Alvin Carpio (@AlvinCarpio) December 27, 2016

London's Metropolitan Police said officers were called to a disturbance at the Ace Hotel in east London on Tuesday evening and a 49-year-old man was taken to hospital with a head injury.

Gascoigne's spokesman Terry Baker told the Daily Mirror: "He hasn't been arrested. He's about to be released and sent home." Police said the former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder was in a "stable condition" in hospital and inquiries were ongoing.

Witness Alvin Carpio wrote on Twitter that Gascoigne appeared "very drunk" and had been "kicked down the stairs" by someone.

Gascoigne, popularly known as 'Gazza', was fined £1,000 ($1,220, 1,170 euros) in September for making a racist joke about a bodyguard during his one-man show.

Regarded as one of England's most talented players, he won 57 caps for his country, but has battled alcoholism since retiring in 2004.

- AAP