A mysterious sign has appeared outside a nightclub in Bristol honouring the time England's cricket hero Ben Stokes punched a bloke.

The plaque, which claims 'it was here that Ben Stokes lamped an oik' has been put up recently following Stokes' heroic innings that carried England to victory in the third Ashes test against Australia at Headingley last week.

Stokes found himself in hot water after the incident, that took place outside Bristolian night-time hotspot Mbargo in 2018.

After missing out on England's Ashes tour of Australia that winter, he was welcomed back into the international fold quite quickly and is now an integral part of the team with both ball and bat.

Advert

The plaque commemorates Ben Stokes punching a man outside Bristol nightclub Mbargo. Credit: SWNS

The plaque commemorating Stokes' now-infamous actions was noticed by 56-year-old Lettings agency owner Peter Ellis.

Peter, who walks past MBargo every day on his way to work, said he'd never seen the sign before. So far, we have no idea who erected it.

Peter said: "I couldn't believe it. The poor lad had hoped this had been put behind him and it would have been forgotten by now.

Advert

"I think the person who did it likes cricket and I think they just wanted a laugh.

"It is a bit of dark humour and someone has clearly put a lot of effort into it.

"Personally, I think it's hilarious."

The plaque looks to have been erected recently. Credit: SWNS

Advert

Stokes was found to be not guilty of affray back in August last year, but video footage from the incident did show that he was swinging punches during the fight, which also involved his then-England teammate Alex Hales.

That footage made it to the internet and Stokes lost not only his place in the England team, but also the vice-captaincy.

The 28-year-old cricketer claimed that he punched Ryan Hale after he 'stepped in' to defend two men from homophobic abuse.

He then had to defend himself from Ryan Ali and Hale.

Advert

Ben Stokes was defending two gay men who were being abused at the time. Credit: SWNS

Stokes was cleared of any wrongdoing and eventually welcomed back into the English cricket fold.

It's a good job that he was, too. It was Stokes' 135 not out that carried England to a remarkable and unlikely win in Leeds last weekend against Australia to keep the Ashes series alive.

Stokes and Jack Leach stood firm for the last wicket and completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in test cricket history.

Advert