Footballer denies assault near casino

Kelvin Etuhu, 22, on the books of Manchester City, pleaded not guilty at the city's crown court to wounding with intent on one alleged victim and assault occasioning actual bodily harm to a second man, following the incident outside Manchester 235 Casino in the city centre on February 28th.

The 6ft midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Cardiff City, is jointly charged with another man, Leonard Rico Richards, 27, from Longsight, Manchester.

Richards, alongside Etuhu in the dock, also pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Etuhu is a graduate of the Manchester City academy, making his first senior City appearance in September 2007.

The player was then loaned to Leicester City towards the end of that season.

He has also been on loan at Rochdale and Cardiff.

He is now back with Manchester City but has not played for them this season.

Etuhu and Richards were both bailed to appear for trial at Manchester Crown Court on February 7 next year.