Manager denies Crowe pub ban

MELBOURNE – Russell Crowe’s manager yesterday denied a newspaper report that the Oscar-winning Australian actor had been banned from a British pub near the set of his new film, ‘Robin Hood’.

Britain’s Sunday Express newspaper reported that a spirited argument over licensing laws apparently ended with the 45-year-old actor being banned from The Brickmakers in Windlesham, Surrey.Crowe’s manager Grant Vandenberg said the newspaper story was untrue.’The only truth to the whole thing is that he has been’ to the pub, Vandenberg told Nine Network television in Australia.’He has been there four or five times with his kids. There is a playground in the back,’ Vandenberg added.An unnamed duty manager at the pub told the paper: ‘I’m not exactly sure what he’s supposed to have done, but there was apparently trouble and he’s been asked not to return.’’It’s not the only place he’s been barred from. There are at least two others I know of’ in the area, the manager added.An unnamed local resident told the newspaper that Crowe offered money to be allowed to keep drinking at The Brickmakers after closing time.’Eventually he left, but not before smashing a plate,’ the resident said.Crowe, who won a best actor Oscar in 2001 for his starring role in ‘Gladiator’, has two sons, ages 3 and 5. – Nampa-AP