Leeds footballers face civil action

The family says the attack was racially motivated

Lee Bowyer, Jonathan Woodgate and Leeds United are set to face legal action in the civil courts after Woodgate was convicted of affray last week.

The family of Sarfraz Najieb - the victim of an attack in Leeds City Centre - have confirmed they want to take action against the footballers, their club and three other men.

Mr Najeib's father will announce later this week that action is to be taken against Mr Bowyer, Mr Woodgate, Paul Clifford, Neale Caveney, Anthony Hackworth and Leeds United Football Club, family spokesman Suresh Grover told the BBC.

Sarfraz's father will give a press conference

Sarfraz Najeib was beaten unconscious in an attack outside a Leeds nightclub in January 2000, having been bitten on the face and suffered a broken leg, nose and cheekbone.

Of four people accused of a role in the attack, Paul Clifford was jailed for six years for grievous bodily harm and affray, and Woodgate and Neale Caveney were found guilty of affray.

Woodgate and Mr Bowyer and their friend Caveney were cleared of grievous bodily harm.

'Savage attack'

Mr Najeib's father Muhammed told a news conference after the hearing that this was not the end and he intended to fight on for justice for his sons.

"My son Sarfraz suffered a savage and racist attack by five white men.

"The last 18 months have been a living hell for our family. Our lives have been shattered.

He said Sarfraz was "disappointed and shattered" and thinking of giving up his studies.

The prominence of the defendants had led to a race-hate campaign against the family, he said.

While the trial judge said there was no racist motive to the attack on the student, the family and Mr Grover take a different view.

Mr Grover said: "The attack on Sarfraz was motivated by racism. Although this may not have been the only motive, we believe it was very significant."