The Ulster rugby fan allegedly punched by Trevor Brennan at a Heineken European Cup tie in France is taking legal action against the former Ireland international, he announced yesterday.

Patrick Bamford said he had instructed a lawyer in France to pursue criminal and civil proceedings against the player. He is also taking libel action against a number of news organisations that reported the incident.

Television footage showed Brennan entering the crowd during a clash between his team Toulouse and Ulster last month and allegedly punching Bamford.

Brennan was warming up with other Toulouse substitutes when he alleged he was verbally abused by a number of Ulster fans.

He has since apologised for the incident.

But a statement from Bamford, who lives and works in London, made clear it was not enough.

He said: "Following the violent attack on me a fortnight ago during which I suffered a number of injuries, I can confirm that I have instructed a lawyer in France to pursue criminal and civil proceedings against Mr Brennan."

He said he was also taking action against a number of media outlets, which he accused of publishing false and damaging claims about his role in the incident.

"I am taking legal action against these organisations for the damage they have inflicted on my reputation," he said.

Bamford added: "To attend a rugby match as an innocent spectator and be the victim of this particularly vicious physical assault was extremely shocking in itself, but to then have to be subjected to false claims about my behaviour was the final straw, leaving me with no alternative but to place the matter in the hands of libel lawyer Paul Tweed, to take the appropriate legal action."

Brennan's case is due to come before the ERC's Independent Disciplinary Committee tomorrow.