Aussie athlete sent back home for late-night party

Australia have sent back an athlete from its Commonwealth Games contingent, ahead of the scheduled departure from Delhi, for late night partying.

Australian Commonwealth Games chief Perry Crosswhite confirmed sending an athlete back home but did not disclose the identity of the punished athlete, according to a report in Herald Sun.

There have been accusations of all-night drinking sessions among the some Australian athletes, with some leaving the village at night against team rules, the report said.

Crosswhite, however, denied the athlete was punished for breaking curfew.

Australian runner Michael Shelley, who won silver in the marathon yesterday, said athletes were mostly well behaved, but said he saw some celebrating teammates returning from a night out while he was eating breakfast, the report added.

Australian athletes are due to board a charter flight home on Friday.

Australia dominated the on-field action by finishing on top of the medals tally with 176 medals, including 74 gold.