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BOWYER & WOODGATE CHARGED

LEEDS players Lee Bowyer and Jonathon Woodgate have been charged with grevious bodily harm and affray in connection with an attack on an Asian student in Leeds City Centre last month.

Both players have been bailed to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on March 17.

The two other Leeds players who were earlier arrested in connection with the incident, Michael Duberry and Tony Hackworth, have had their bail renewed.

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale issued the following statement on Tuesday evening:

"LUFC can confirm that following the alleged attack in Leeds on the night of 11th/12th January 2000, both Jonathon Woodgate and Lee Bowyer have today been charged in connection with the offence. They are two amongst a number who have been charged.

"Both individuals having been interviewed by the club and maintain their innocence of the charges. As a result of their comments, LUFC has re-stated its position that every individual is innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law.

"The players will therefore remain available to David O`Leary for selection. Our position has been conveyed to the F.A., F.A.Premier League and P.F.A.

"Whilst taking this stance, we reiterate our total condemnation of the attack that took place and confirm that if any of our players is subsequently found to have been involved, we will not shirk our responsibility to take appropriate disciplinary action."

Meanwhile, the FA have confirmed that neither Bowyer or Woodgate will be considered for England duty until the charges have been dealt with.