In yet another attack on an Indian in Melbourne, a taxi driver from the community was injured when a drunk Australian star footballer allegedly assaulted him after an altercation.

Essendon football player Michael Hurley was arrested for kicking and punching an Indian cabbie outside a fast-food outlet on Hoddle Street here.

Hurley, 19, took a taxi outside a South Melbourne nightclub about 5:30 am and went to the food outlet. He left the taxi for some food and when the driver pursued him asking for fare, Hurley allegedly kicked him in the groin and punched him, according to 'The Herald Sun'.

Police arrested Hurley at the scene.

The soccer player was later was taken to Fitzroy police station and questioned over the incident. He was subsequently released.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the alleged attack was over a fare dispute. Hurley is expected to be charged for assault-related offences, according to media reports.

The paper did not identify the Indian cab driver who is said to have received minor injuries in the incident.

Essendon, the club, has described the player's arrest as "disappointing and unacceptable".

Essendon managing director Peter Jackson said," We are extremely disappointed that Michael was out so late and that he put himself in a situation where an incident occurred."