Nicklas Bendtner issues grovelling apology after reports ex-Arsenal ace attacked taxi driver in late night incident
Bendtner's girlfriend Philine Roepstorff confirms forward did strike driver but claims it was self-defence in a dispute over the bill
NICKLAS BENDTNER has issued a grovelling apology over his late-night fracas with a taxi driver in which the former Arsenal man is alleged to have left him with a broken jaw.
The incident is said to have taken place in the early hours of Sunday morning in capital Copenhagen.
Rosenborg forward Bendtner, 30, admitted he was "extremely sad" over the affair - while stunning girlfriend Philine Roepstorff said he DID strike the driver but that it was in self-defence in a dispute over the bill.
Denmark star Bendtner said: "I was involved in an extremely unfortunate episode at around 2am on Sunday.
"I could not imagine it would develop as it did, and of course I'm extremely sad that the outcome became as unfortunate as it did.
"To Rosenborg fans and audiences, I regret that this has happened. I'm sorry with all my heart that we are standing here today.
"To my dear team-mates, I regret that this will steal focus in an important time. I thank you for your understanding.
"I have never been a fighter but I protect those I love on and off the pitch."
Model Roepstorff wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of herself cuddling her man: "The taxi driver drove in front of us, ran out of his car and threw a bottle against me.
"It did not hit, but it was close.
"Then he walked towards us and my boyfriend hit him once. Of course, one should not beat, but it was not Nicklas who attacked anyone.
"He was persecuted and defended himself and me. How many would not have done the same for their girlfriend?"
But according to , a spokesman for taxi company Dantaxi disputed Bendtner's claims.
They said: "All documentary evidence has been sent to the police, including the video footage of the incident.
"What you can derive from that does not match the statement he has made."