Crystal Palace player denies belt attack on club doorman

 A Premier League footballer will stand trial accused of assaulting a club doorman with his belt.

Jason Puncheon, the Crystal Palace midfielder, appeared at Guildford magistrates’ court following an incident in Reigate, Surrey, in the early hours of Dec 17. The 31-year-old, of nearby Kingswood, had been partying with friends at the Mishiko nightclub prior to the alleged attack.

Puncheon denied a Section 4 public order offence – causing fear or provocation of violence – and a second charge of common assault.

A third charge of possession of an offensive weapon was withdrawn.

After the court was told of CCTV footage that showed Puncheon’s belt connecting with the doorman’s head, the footballer’s solicitor said the footage did not show the defendant being picked on in events leading up to the incident. Puncheon was bailed until his trial at Staines magistrates’ court on June 4.