A HARDWICKE Football Club player has appeared in court today accused of assaulting two rival players from Tetbury during a match.

Ashley Witts, of Kaskelot Way, Hempsted, Gloucester, was playing centre forward for Hardwicke United U-18s against Avonvale U-18s in Tetbury when trouble flared fifteen minutes before full time.

The 18-year-old appeared before Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (Friday) charged with assaulting Avonvale goalkeeper Jack Johnson, 18, causing actual bodily harm. He is also charged with common assault on another Avonvale player, aged 17.

The violence is alleged to have occurred after Witts and Johnson contested for the ball in the Avonvale goal area.

Mr Johnson suffered a broken nose and fractured cheekbone and was taken to hospital in Swindon.

Today's hearing was for a timetable to be set for further progress of the case. Judge Jamie Tabor QC agreed to a submission from defence solicitor Sarah Jenkins for a two week adjournment till June 12 so she can take further instructions.

Witts was granted bail until then.