Former Irish Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine has been handed a six-month suspended sentence for his part in a nightclub brawl in Milan.

It was over a row involving the son of the former Mayor of Milan, Gabrielle Moratti, in the famous 'Hollywood' nightclub in 2008.

It is understood the row broke-out after Mr. Morratti spotted Irvine (48) talking to his ex-girlfriend.

The newspaper Corriere Della Sera reports the cause of the argument was a text message that Irvine sent to the woman, who had recently ended a relationship with Moratti.

Rome Correspondent with the Irish Times Paddy Agnew explains.