Ben Stokes was named player of the year at the PCA awards

Ben Stokes' wife Clare has denied "nonsense" allegations the couple had a physical altercation at an awards ceremony on 2 October.

Pictures published on Tuesday appeared to show the England player with his hand on her face after the Professional Cricketers' Association Awards.

"Unbelievable what nonsense these people will make up," she said. external-link

The England and Wales Cricket Board said it was satisfied there was an "innocent context" to the images.

All-rounder Stokes, 28, was named PCA player of the year at the ceremony after helping England win the World Cup for the first time and hitting a remarkable unbeaten 135 to win the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley.

Photographs published on the Guido Fawkes website appeared to show the England player with his hand on his wife's face at the event at the Roundhouse in Camden.

In response, Clare Stokes posted on Twitter: "Me and Ben messing about squishing up each other's faces cos that's how we show affection and some pap tries to twist it in to a crazy story!

"And all before we then have a romantic McDonald's 20 mins later!"

Ben Stokes also later issued a response, saying that the "way that this has come across is so far removed from what it was".

"I have become used to people making stuff up about me, but of all the topics not to mess with domestic abuse has to be at the top of the list," he said in a statement to the Mirror.

"It's an incredibly serious issue for thousands of women - and men - who do suffer domestic abuse. For it to be toyed with for cheap headlines in this way just damages the cause of those who are abused.

"We have a wonderful relationship and I never tire of saying how lucky I am to be with her. We both had a great night at the PCA Awards, ending with us dining out at McDonald's together.

"To falsify and spread these kind of allegations so willingly is totally irresponsible."

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: ''We have spoken with both Clare and Ben - as well as others in attendance - who have all clarified the innocent context behind the still photographs taken at last week's PCA Awards.

"While it is not the case here, we recognise that for the millions who are impacted by domestic violence, this is a very real and serious issue.''