TWO well-known amateur footballers were arrested after a training ground incident that saw both men suffer knife wounds.

Police and the ambulance service were called to Bournemouth PoppiesVictoria Park ground at Namu Road, Winton, at around 7pm on Thursday, which is a training night for the team.

It is believed that the two players involved were Jesse Hodgson, 24, and Scott Joyce, 31. Both were arrested by police, who remained on scene at the club on Friday.

Yesterday afternoon police said the pair had been released on bail.

South Western Ambulance Service was called at 7.04pm and one of the men was taken to Poole Hospital , the other to Southampton General Hospital.

Both men had knife injuries, said a police spokesman, who added: “Dorset Police were called to a report of a male with a stab wound to his hand in the Wallisdown/Northbourne area of Bournemouth at approximately 7pm on Thursday, September 6.

“Officers attended and found two men with injuries, which were not life-threatening or life-changing.

“A 24-year-old man from Poole and a 31-year-old man from Christchurch have been arrested and are helping the police with their inquiries.”

Poppies manager Ken Vaughan said the matter was a “scuffle” and was being dealt with by the club.

One source indicated that one of the players was stabbed in his arm, leg and head, but that has not been confirmed.

Poole Hospital confirmed that Scott Joyce, a striker who has also played for Poole Town and Wimborne Town , attended on Thursday and was discharged the same night.

Jesse Hodgson was treated at Southampton General Hospital. He returned to the squad this season after a period out of the game.

Witnesses and anyone with information about the incident should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 06458.

Alternatively, call the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.