Police were called and the player was detained at the scene. He was taken to Fitzroy police station where he was interrogated, the paper said.

The driver received minor injuries in the incident.

Meanwhile, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said the alleged attack was over a fare dispute and Hurley was likely to be charged for assault related offences.

The attack came while Victoria premier John Brumby, who is currently in India, pledged to bring a tougher law to combat such attacks on Indians.

During a meeting with Indian Overseas Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi in New Delhi Friday, Brumby said: 'Steps would be taken to ensure the safety of the students. We have toughened our laws related to the racial crimes. We will inform the Indian government on the follow-up of the crime investigations by the Australian police.

'The government of Victoria will not tolerate any crimes against Indian students,' Brumby said.

Between June and August, around 30 Indian students were attacked in various cities in Australia.