Soccer trial jury discharged

Jonathan Woodgate: Charged with teammate

HULL, England -- The trial of two footballers charged with attacking an Asian student has collapsed with the jury unable to reach a verdict.

The jury was discharged on Monday after deliberating for just over 21 hours over three days.

England international Jonathan Woodgate, former England U-21 captain Lee Bowyer, and two friends, Neale Caveney and Paul Clifford, are charged with grievous bodily harm following an attack on Sarfraz Najeib.

RESOURCES  • Leeds United profile  • Bowyer profile  • Woodgate profile

All the men, who also face charges of affray, had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Fellow Leeds United player Michael Duberry walked free from court last Thursday after the jury found him not guilty of conspiracy to pervert justice. Woodgate was also found not guilty on the same charges.

The £5 million former Chelsea defender Duberry embraced Woodgate following the verdict.

Clifford and Caveney were also cleared of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

During the eight-week trial at Hull Crown Court there have been 60 witnesses giving evidence, including the three footballers.

Duberry told the court he had lied to police about the alleged attack, saying he had wanted to protect his best friend Woodgate.

Najeib, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was left unconscious following an attack by a group of men near the Majestyk nightclub in Leeds, North England. He also suffered a broken leg and fractured cheekbone.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Jury clears Leeds Utd footballer
Footballers' assault trial nears end

Hull Crown Court
Leeds United Football Club

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