UK Newspaper Owner Punches TV Show Rival

A Russian billionaire owner of two British newspapers has punched a fellow guest in the face on a TV show - knocking him off his chair.

Alexander Lebedev , owner of The Independent and the Evening Standard, floored ex-property developer baron Sergei Polonsky during a debate on Russia and the global financial crisis.

A stunned audience watched as the former KGB agent, who made a fortune in banking, landed a right jab on Mr Polonsky's face.

Mr Polonsky was knocked from his chair and tumbled off the back of the studio's elevated platform.

The punch was thrown seconds after Mr Polonsky told other guests he wanted to "stick one in the mouth".

On his blog, Mr Lebedev justified the assault by saying Mr Polonsky had behaved in an aggressive, threatening manner throughout the debate.

"In a critical situation, there is no choice. I see no reason to be hit with the first shot. I neutralised him," he said.

Mr Polonsky, who used to head the Mirax Group property firm, got up quickly and did not appear injured.

However, he later published online pictures of a cut on his arm and his torn trousers.