Hawthorn defender Jarrad Boumann kicked outside nightclub

HAWTHORN defender Jarrad Boumann injured his hand in a fight outside a city nightclub on Sunday morning.

HAWTHORN defender Jarrad Boumann injured his hand in a fight outside a city nightclub on Sunday morning.

Police have begun investigating the fracas, which occurred near the corner of Exhibition and Lonsdale streets as Boumann and a friend tried to hail a taxi about 2.45am.

Boumann says he was kicked repeatedly. Two men were arrested and questioned about 45 minutes later.

Boumann has told club officials he punched one of his attackers in self-defence, fracturing his hand.

Boumann believes up to six men were involved in the fracas, which quickly escalated from arguing to pushing and shoving.

He has told club officials that after he slipped to the ground he was repeatedly kicked before getting to his feet and striking one man.

"Jarrad stated he acted in self-defence after being repeatedly kicked by a number of people while he was on the ground, and during the altercation injured his hand," a Hawthorn statement read.

Boumann will make a statement to police.

A Victoria Police spokesman said an 18-year-old from Pakenham and a 22-year-old from Narre Warren South were arrested at the Exhibition-Lonsdale corner just before 3.30am. Charges are yet to be laid.