KIEFER SUTHERLAND - SUTHERLAND'S BAR BRAWL LEAVES MARKS ON FACE

Hollywood actor KIEFER SUTHERLAND has been rushed to hospital to receive six stitches after his face was slashed during a bar fight.

The 24 star has been left disfigured following the brawl during the week (ends13FEB04) in Los Angeles - forcing the show's bosses to delay filming while his face heals.

The FLATLINERS actor, 37, visited the set to apologise to fellow cast members and the production crew for the disruption in their schedule.

Sutherland's spokesperson says that the star was "defending himself."

The ex-fiance of JULIA ROBERTS has a history of headline-grabbing antics, including him exposing himself last year (03) after an alcohol-fuelled session.

Two years ago (02) it was claimed that Sutherland would go straight to the same Los Angeles bar after filming on the hit TV show and drink the night away until closing time.

His role of JACK BAUER in 24 has earned Sutherland a GOLDEN GLOBE award and an EMMY nomination.