HAWTHORN star Lance Franklin has defended himself following accusations of drunken, rude behaviour in a Melbourne bar, challenging News Limited to report both sides of the confrontation.
 
Former swimsuit fashion designer and surf brand director Nicky Rowsell has reportedly used her Facebook account to tell of a confrontation with Franklin in which the Hawks star allegedly stood over her and yelled in her face in a Chapel St bar on Saturday.
 
She described him as "an absolute disgrace of a human", but commended the Hawthorn Football Club for resolving the matter quickly.
 
The News Limited report on Thursday said Hawthorn confirmed it had received a complaint over Franklin's conduct, and that he had since apologised to the woman for inappropriate behaviour.
 
However, Franklin took to Twitter on Thursday morning to explain the confrontation.   
 
"Maybe the @Heraldsun should ask Nicky and publish why she approached me and what she said," he wrote.
 
"I am not for one minute saying how I reacted was right but when someone comes up and verbally attacks me and the people I care about for no apparent reason I think its only natural to defend yourself.
 
"But I guess that's not an appealing story is it."

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Hawthorn said the initial conversation began because the pair had a mutual friend, and it escalated following a comment made by the woman that Franklin took offence to.
 
"On Monday, of his own accord Franklin discussed the matter directly with the woman, and both parties considered the matter closed," the statement said,
 
Hawks CEO Stuart Fox said, “While disappointed the incident occurred, we’re supportive of the way Lance has since handled the matter given the circumstances.”
 
“As both parties have approached the matter in a professional and mature way following open discussions on Monday, the issue was mutually resolved in private.”