
Bournemouth have been forced into an embarrassing climbdown after one of their stewards accused Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero of assaulting him.

Aguero was facing a police investigation after the claims surfaced following a melee sparked by City’s 97th-minute winner, which saw players celebrate with fans who had spilled over on to the pitch during yesterday’s 2-1 victory.

But pictures and video clearly showed Aguero approaching a steward to object to a fan being dragged to the ground by two stewards and other officials, being held around the throat and having his hands forced behind his back.

Police have taken a statement from a Bournemouth steward who says Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero hit them

Aguero was celebrating Raheem Sterling's winner in the 2-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium when the incident occurred

The players celebrated with the fans, with stewards intervening as they spilled onto the pitch, which Aguero took exception to

The former Atletico Madrid forward took to Twitter to deny the claim - while also praising the narrow victory over the Cherries

With reports that a steward had then informed police Aguero had hit him, the striker tweeted: ‘I did not hit anyone, this allegation is false and the TV pictures prove it.’ City are fuming and last night Bournemouth put out a statement withdrawing the allegations.

They said in a statement: ‘The club have been advised that, due to a misunderstanding, an earlier statement alleging assault has been withdrawn and no assault took place.

‘AFC Bournemouth recognise that stewards and police were carrying out their duties in preventing encroachment on to the pitch, with the safety of players and supporters in mind. The club will make no further comment on the matter.’

The celebrations saw two City fans arrested.

Sterling was also sent off for a second yellow card after celebrating with the crowd.

He had only received his first booking in the third minute of injury time.

Footage taken by fans in the crowd appears to show the flashpoint regarding Aguero. The striker can be seen protesting with a steward who, along with a colleague and officials, has a City fan pinned to the floor.

After approaching the steward, Aguero’s arm can be seen twice being pushed away by the steward, with the pair remonstrating at each other, at which point a policeman intervenes.

He and Aguero also exchange words, with Aguero attempting to go back to the fan again before being blocked by the officer.

The Vitality Stadium steward reported the incident after the match ended, giving a full statement to Dorset Police

A City source insisted that Aguero will not have a case to answer after seeing the footage which captured what happened

Emotions were high after Pep Guardiola's side scored a second goal, having been behind to Charlie Daniels' opener

Emotions were running high after Pep Guardiola’s side scored the winner —having fallen behind to Charlie Daniels’s first-half strike — in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

The fourth official had indicated five minutes of added time and referee Mike Dean was booed roundly by Bournemouth’s supporters for allowing a total of 11 minutes.

Bournemouth led through Daniels but Gabriel Jesus equalised, before Sterling’s late winner.

When asked about the red card, Guardiola said: ‘If you can’t celebrate with the fans, the best solution is not to invite the fans.’

Sportsmail understands that Dorset Police have taken a statement from the steward, who claims Aguero struck them

The steward alleges Aguero attacked them, while the clearly angry City forward had to be restrained by police

In chaotic scenes, fans spilled onto the pitch; Aguero can be seen in the centre of this image, watching a fan being handled

Aguero had come on as a substitute with 24 minutes left after being benched by City, replaced by Raheem Sterling

Aguero was very unhappy, delaying leaving the team bus and refusing to warm up after being benched by Pep Guardiola