The former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona, has been arrested following reports of assault.
The 47-year-old Frenchman, who retired as a player in 1997, was detained near Regent's Park in London.
Police refused to confirm the identity of the man but said in a statement they had arrested a male in his mid-40s.
Cantona had earlier been seen at the Queens pub on Regents Park Road in Primrose Hill, a prosperous part of north London.
In January 1995 Cantona was infamously convicted of assaulting Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons, launching a kung fu kick over the advertising hoardings at Selhurst Park.
Cantona had been sent off and Simmons had been shouting abuse at the Frenchman.
He was initially sentenced to two weeks in prison, later reduced to 120 hours community service.
Cantona's agent in Paris refused to comment on his arrest.
