Three Leeds United footballers launched a "shocking" attack on a group of Asian students after a night out, leaving one of them seriously injured, a court in England was told today.
One of the footballers, Mr Jonathan Woodgate was seen jumping on his victim, whose face was also bitten by one of Mr Woodgate's friends, leaving a scar, a jury was told.
Another, England Under-21 midfielder Mr Lee Bowyer was seen hugging a friend in a victory embrace after the assault, it was alleged.
Mr Woodgate, Mr Bowyer and Mr Tony Hackworth were among a group of footballers and friends when trouble erupted outside the Majestyk nightclub in Leeds city centre, Hull Crown Court was told.
Prosecutor Mr Nicholas Campbell QC, said one of the students, Mr Sarfraz Najeib (20), was left with serious injuries after the alleged attack in January last year.
The court heard that Leeds team-mate Mr Michael Duberry (24) drove three of his co-defendants from the scene, although both he and Mr Woodgate deny conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Mr Bowyer (24) of Leeds, Mr Woodgate (21), of Middlesbrough, and reserve team striker Mr Hackworth (20), of Leeds, deny causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Najeib. They also deny affray.
Two other men, Mr Neal Caveney and Mr Paul Clifford, both 21 and from Middlesbrough, deny causing grievous bodily harm, affray and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Mr Campbell said said trouble flared when the students paused to see what one of the footballers' friends was up to outside the Majestyk nightclub.