Irvine accuses mayor’s son of assault

(GMM) Former grand prix winner and Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine has accused the son of a high-ranking Italian dignitary of assaulting him.

According to Italy's La Repubblica newspaper, the 43-year-old was involved in a fight last December with Gabriele Moratti, the son of the current mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti.

The incident reportedly took place before Christmas at the Milan dance nightclub Hollywood.

Irvine claims he was attacked, resulting in a damaged eardrum, due to Moratti's jealousy over a former fiancée.

Moratti denies the accusation, hitting back by claiming Irvine was drunk and struck him in the head.

Irvine contested almost 150 grands prix until 2002, and following his debut race in 1993 was famously punched by Ayrton Senna after passing the great Brazilian despite being a lap down.