Man denies attacking footballer

Scott Brown is understood to have been hit on a night out in Edinburgh

An Edinburgh man has appeared in court charged with attacking Celtic and Scotland footballer Scott Brown.

Mark Richardson, 22, is alleged to have chased after Mr Brown and punched him repeatedly on the head, leaving him injured.

Mr Brown, 24, was on a night out with friends in Edinburgh at the weekend when it is alleged he was caught up in the brawl involving another group.

Mr Richardson denied the charges and trial was set for next May.

He also denied conducting himself in a disorderly manner while acting along with others, shouting and swearing and breaching the peace. He was released on bail.

The attack was alleged to have happened at Edinburgh's Grindlay Street Court, early on Sunday.

Former Hibernian midfielder Mr Brown, who was said to have refused medical treatment following the incident, has missed recent games due to an ankle injury.