The future of firebrand Melbourne City A-League forward Harry Novillo could hang in the balance after reportedly being handcuffed by police following a domestic dispute.

Fairfax Media reported the 24-year-old was led away from his own apartment at 3:30am on Tuesday after a verbal altercation with his 23-year-old partner.

No charges have been laid by Victoria Police, who have provided a statement about the incident.

• ‘Kicking the shit out of someone is fun’
• FFA give Melbourne Victory show cause notice

“I understand a 24-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman, both from Southbank, were involved in a verbal dispute at the Riverside Quay apartments about 3.30am,” a police spokesperson said.

The Fairfax report said police responded to a request from Novillo’s “distressed” partner.

It also suggested police had not been strangers to Novillo’s apartment, visiting twice previously to attend to disturbances.

In a statement, City said it was conducting an internal review of the matter and the Frenchman’s role.

“The club has begun a full investigation of the matter engaging all associated and relevant parties,” it read.

“In the interest of due process, the club is not in a position to comment further until the investigation is completed.”

The club has been caught off guard by the incident, with chief executive Scott Munn and football boss John Didulica in Abu Dhabi for the club’s W-League tour.

Novillo, who joined on a two-year-deal in the off-season, came to City with a confrontational reputation.

He left former club Clermont Foot within a year after being involved with a bust-up between players and coaches.

In Melbourne, he has been a star achiever on the field.

His nine goals this A-League season have been a key reason behind City’s vault up the table and into title contention.