Boyzone's Rihanna brawl

Nov 12, 2008, 9:40 GMT

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Boyzone were involved in a drunken brawl with Rihanna's band in Australia.

The bust-up happened in Sydney after a member of the re-formed group - comprising Stephen Gately, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy - flirted with a girl in the 'Umbrella' singer's entourage.

A source said: "Her boyfriend took offence and all hell broke loose with fists flying everywhere.

"The boys held their own despite being unsteady on their feet. Security came and broke it up. They all got a stern talking to."

Singer Stephen confirmed the incident, but said it had been sparked from a misunderstanding.

He told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Well, we did get into a fight - certainly more than a difference of opinion. We are keeping up that fine image of the Irish and too much alcohol.

"It was over a girlfriend of one of Rihanna's band members. We just wanted to chat and be friendly and this guy tried to rough us up.

"It was his girl and then all the other guys from the band started getting fresh with us - so it was on there and then."

According to Stephen, the incident happened after the band had gone on a bar crawl with close friend, former Westlife singer Brian McFadden, who now lives in Sydney with girlfriend Delta Goodrem.

His bandmate Shane added: "We haven't slept for two weeks."

Mikey Graham was not in Australia after suffering a bout of exhaustion.