Arnie gets egged

A political protester following the tradition of hurling eggs at unpopular candidates made a brave choice of victim - Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The unknown student threw an egg at the star of The Terminator as he visited a university during his campaign to be elected Republican governor of California.

As the Terminator, the monosyllabic killing machine of three hit films, such an incident would have ended in a violent reprisal.

However, Schwarzenegger simply laughed off the mess, saying: "This guy owes me bacon now."

The 55-year-old Hollywood star was on a walkabout at California State University in Long Beach when he was hit with the egg on his way to the stage.

It spattered his beige jacket but he wiped it off without breaking his stride. He then handed the yolk-stained garment to an aide and spoke to the students in his shirt-sleeves.

Other opponents of the star have produced placards labelling him The Wimpinator for not taking part in public debates with his rivals ahead of the 7 October vote.

Critics say he is unable to perform without a script.

Tim Hodson, director of the Centre for California Studies at the university, said: "If he simply stays behind the bubble of celebrity status, he is going to lose."

The star has agreed to take part in only one TV debate with his rivals, on 24 September.