Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was the victim, not the instigator, in the early Saturday morning incident in Cleveland that police described as a “riot” scene upon arrival at 2:30 a.m.

That’s the position of Manziel and his agent, Kevin Burkhardt, who was responding to allegations that Manziel and “his entourage” struck a fan who approached the rookie quarterback for a hug at a party.

“There was no entourage,” the agent said in a statement. “Johnny and his roommate were trying to get on the apartment elevator at his home when they were accosted by a very aggressive man and his associates. It was an unfortunate situation and he immediately let (Browns general manager) Ray Farmer and the team know what happened.”

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said Monday night that the incident was unfortunate but credited Manziel for his professionalism while at the team facility.

“We are aware of the incident and are in the process of gathering additional information in order to gain a complete understanding of what occurred,” Farmer said in a statement. “Nonetheless, the time of the incident is concerning to us. We continually stress to all our players the importance of sound decision making in an effort to avoid putting themselves in these types of situations. We have addressed this appropriately with the player and will have no further comment at this time.”

About 20 people and two security guards were involved, according to the police report.

Diehard Browns fan Chris Gonos told Cleveland Scene that he set off the fight when he approached Manziel to give him a hug.

According to the police report, the 33-year-old Gonos told Manziel, “I’m the biggest Browns fan ever, I love you, I want to give you a hug.”

When he stepped toward Manziel to give him a hug, a member of Manziel’s crew punched Gonos in the face. By the time the fight was over, Gonos had a “swollen lip, right eye swollen, a red face,” according to the police report.

Gonos claimed that someone “smashed” Manziel in the face.