English all-rounder Ben Stokes has been named as a “real hero” by a gay couple as they spoke about his brawl outside a bar. Due to that incident, Stokes was arrested and subsequently losing his place in the England squad.

The couple, Kai Barry, 26, and Billy O’Connell, 20, said that the all-rounder had saved them from getting into “real trouble.” They said that Stokes had bought drinks for them earlier in the night. Barry then explains that he was dancing in the club when he heard someone calling them “batty boys,” an offensive slur for homosexual people.

When they were called the word again, Stokes interrupted and stood up for them. O’Connell said, “Kai feared he could be attacked. If Ben hadn’t intervened it could have been a lot worse for us. I’m not a fighter and we didn’t want a fight. We could’ve been in real trouble. Ben was a real gentleman.”

Both of them were not aware of the case that was consequently registered on Stokes and his England team-mate Alex Hales, who was also involved in the brawl. Stokes’ all-around abilities have made him one of the most important members of the England squad and his exclusion is seen as a major blow to them as they prepare for the Ashes to be held in Australia next month.