Footballers deny assaulting student

The incident allegedly took place outside this nightclub

Three Leeds United footballers have denied assaulting an Asian student outside a nightclub.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer, 23, defender Jonathan Woodgate, 20, and reserve team striker Tony Hackworth, 20, pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to 19-year-old Sarfraz Najeib.

The three footballers also denied a charge of affray at the hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Monday.

The incident allegedly took place outside The Majestyk nightclub in Leeds city centre in January.

Duberry in hospital

England international Woodgate also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Leeds United defender Michael Duberry, 24, who was injured playing on Saturday and was still in hospital following an operation, is charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The plea and directions hearing for Duberry will be held at a later date.

Neal Caveney, 21, and Paul Clifford, 21, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent, affray and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.