Leeds fan's 'brush with Bowyer'

The fan alleged Bowyer scowled as he knocked into her

A Leeds United fan has told a court that footballer Lee Bowyer knocked into her as he allegedly fled from the scene of a brutal attack on a student.

The 24-year-old student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said Mr Bowyer scowled at her with a "get out of the way" look as he bumped into her.

Just before the collision she had also recognised Leeds United defender Jonathan Woodgate jogging towards her, Hull Crown Court was told.

There was a big group of lads running down the street

Leeds United fan

Both Leeds players are being retried for allegedly assaulting 21-year-old student Sarfraz Najeib outside the Majestyk nightclub in Leeds, in January 2000.

The witness, a Leeds fan of 12 years, said: "As he [Mr Woodgate] passed me, another group of people came round the corner.

Identification mark

"As they got closer I noticed that Lee Bowyer was in front jogging towards me and the group was following behind."

She told the court that when Mr Bowyer scowled at her she had noticed a "little blob on his face".

"It was a round circle on top of his cheekbone," she said.

"It is something you would not notice unless you was face-to-face."

The woman had been drinking soft drinks all night because she was driving, the jury was told.

Pub warning

She had first seen Mr Woodgate in a pub with a group, who were being loud and had to be cautioned by a doorman, the court heard.

Later, she went with a friend to the Majestyk nightclub, and saw Mr Woodgate, together with Leeds United colleagues Lee Bowyer, Michael Bridges and Michael Duberry.

She and her friend left the nightclub at about 0030 GMT, the court heard, and saw a group of men outside running towards the railway station.

Jonathan Woodgate: Accused of attack

"There was a big group of lads running down the street," she said.

A friend of the woman, who also cannot be named, said she saw Mr Woodgate running towards them.

"I knew it was Jonathan Woodgate because my friend had pointed him out earlier," she told the court.

"He was just casually jogging along."

Mr Bowyer, 24, of Leeds, and Mr Woodgate, 21, of Middlesbrough, are accused of kicking and punching Mr Najeib.

They deny causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Najeib and affray.

Two of Mr Woodgate's friends, Paul Clifford and Neale Caveney, both 22 and from Middlesbrough, also deny the charges.

Mr Najeib, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, suffered serious injuries, including a broken leg and fractured cheekbone.

The trial was adjourned until Monday.