Six weeks after Jesse Ryder was assaulted at a bar in the same city, Mills was involved in an incident at the Yaldhurst Hotel before being advised by security to leave the establishment.
Witnesses said Mills was drinking with friends at the rural bar when two of the player's acquaintances become involved in a scuffle. Mills said he tried to break up the fight before bouncers at the bar escorted him from the venue for his own safety.
"I was enjoying a night out in Christchurch last night with some friends," Mills said. "Later in the night I turned around to see two of my friends in an altercation with some other people.
"One of those friends ended up on the ground and I went over to break it apart. At no stage did I hit anyone and nor did anyone hit me.
"The bouncers broke them apart and two of them suggested I leave the establishment so as to not risk being targeted by anyone."
New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills, the bowler's older brother, spoke to Mills for clarification.
"It wasn't him involved in the incident," Heath Mills said. "Two friends of his got into an altercation with some other people there, and one of his friends ended up on the ground."
Heath Mills had also spoken to another person present at the bar who corroborated Kyle's version of events, and confirmed the cricketer neither threw punches nor was the the target of an attack.
Witnesses said a visibly upset Mills had to be restrained in the smokers' area and, after he had been escorted out of the bar by friends and security, one patron said it was as if Mills was "trying to have another go".
Once on the roadside outside of the main West Coast Road entrance of the establishment, Mills was heard yelling at security, "He's my mate, why would I have a go at him?" several times.
Mills said he wanted to be allowed back into the bar because he was concerned for the safety of his friend.
"I initially wanted to remain to ensure my friends were OK, however once outside I was told they were fine and I made the decision to head home."
Another patron took photos of the scuffle on his cellphone before an associate of Mills seized the phone and, while holding the patron at arm's length, deleted several of the shots, saying, "you don't need to be doing that".
A spokesperson for the Yaldhurst Hotel did not wish to comment when contacted yesterday.
Mills, 34, is due to fly out to England next Tuesday to join up with the New Zealand side ahead of their limited overs series against the hosts.
- Kris Shannon of APNZ and Myles Hume of the Ashburton Guardian
