Say what you will about Boyzone - i.e. that they're a bunch of bland, sub-mediocre crooners whose success only goes to show the consumer power of slightly dim middle-aged women - but it looks like they can handle themselves in a fight. Kind of.

The group - presently in Australia - were reportedly out having a few drinks with equally-as-charmless Westlife 'star' Brian McFadden, whom the residents of Sydney are now lucky enough to call one of their own. Despite their clean-cut image making them look like they could get pissed from a handful of Wine Gums each, they had apparently been knocking back the beverages at an impressive rate.

 

What happens when you drink a lot? Apart from the crushing hangover, empty wallet and miniscule sense of self-worth the morning after, you try to slur out a few chat-up lines to the opposite sex, of course - which is exactly how the band got into trouble.

 

One of their number approached a nearby girl who happened to be with the entourage of 'Umbrella' popstress Rihanna… who also happened to be with her boyfriend. Cue lots of Wetherspoons-style 'are you looking at my bird/pint/other arbitary excuse to punch someone' fisticuffs.

 

Stephen Gateley babbled thus to the tabloids:

 

"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 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."

 

As for quite when openly gay Stephen transformed from mild-mannered mother's favourite to Essex van driver who brawls over girls, we're still not sure.

 

by CJ