The trial of two Leeds United footballers accused of assaulting an Asian student is due to start today.
England international midfielder Lee Bowyer and defender Jonathan Woodgate are charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Sarfraz Najeib.
Bowyer, 24, of Leeds, and Woodgate, 21, of Middlesbrough, are also accused of affray. The pair deny the charges.
Legal argument at Hull Crown Court is expected to delay the opening of the prosecution in the case. Two other men, Paul Clifford, 22, and Neale Caveney, 22, both of Middlesbrough, have also pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Najeib and affray.
Mr Najeib, 21, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, suffered serious injuries in an alleged attack in Mill Hill, Leeds, in January last year.
Legal argument is expected to last up to two weeks before the prosecution opens its case before trial judge Mr Justice Henriques.
PA