Pavlyuchenko Faces Charge For Smashing Camera

Spurs' £13.8million signing from Spartak Moscow has had a chequered spell in his native Russia of late. First, pictures of him chatting up a pair of blonde girls in a Moscow nightclub preceded a scoring performance on the field against Wales last week.

Now, after making his Spurs debut last Monday following a round of international fixtures, Pavlyuchenko is back in the headlines at home for reportedly reacting furiously to fans wanting to take his picture at the team hotel.

According to the Russian weekly Zhizn, Pavlyuchenko took a camera from a fan and destroyed it in a rage before handing it back and fleeing angrily, while the national team were preparing for their 2-1 win over the Welsh.

The team's hotel was reportedly thronged with fans hoping for a glimpse or a photograph of their heroes. The paper reports that the Moscow police are currently investigating the incident, which occured in the city centre.

A Moscow police official said: "If found guilty Pavlyuchenko will have to pay a hefty fine."

Reports suggest that the 26 year-old was reluctant to have his picture taken as a result of his exploits in the nightclub the night previous. Another punter in a Moscow nightspot took mobile phone pictures of Andrei Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko laying the charm on a pair of blones locals.

Russian tabloids acquired the snaps, which led to a dressing down for the duo from Guus Hiddink, the Russian manager.

Peter Staunton