Xerez president, driver detained after shooting

The president of Xerez soccer club, Joaquin Bilbao, resigned on Thursday after he spent the night in a police cell following his suspected involvement in a shooting incident at a bar.

"For personal reasons, for family reasons and, above all, for the good of the club, I have decided to submit my resignation," Bilbao said on RNE radio.

The shooting occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at the Los Hierros bar in Jerez de la Frontera in south west Spain where the second division club is based, an official for the regional government said on Thursday.

Bilbao, 51, who was held along with his driver, had denied firing the shots and both were due to appear before a magistrate on Thursday, said the official, who asked not to be identified by name.

No one was injured in the incident.

"I think it's best for the club considering the circumstances," Bilbao told RNE. "I have a clear conscience, I don't believe I did anything wrong and, in fact, I have been released without bail."

Bilbao's statement followed a meeting of the Xerez management board. He said he would continue to work for the club but did not specify what his role would be.

Xerez are top of the Spanish second division with 51 points, two ahead of Hercules and Tenerife.