Beattie set to return to training after attack
Everton striker James Beattie was due back at training today after being attacked in Birmingham at the weekend, his club said.
The £6m (€8.7m) signing from Southampton was injured in the assault at the Arcadian Centre in the early hours of Sunday.
The 27-year-old had been enjoying a night out with friends following Everton’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa and was the victim of an “unprovoked assault”, according to his club.
The Sun newspaper said Beattie, who is serving a three-match ban for headbutting William Gallas, exchanged punches with a man outside the SobaR after he said his girlfriend was only with him because he was a football star.
It was as the player was crouched on the pavement outside the noodle bar, where he had been using the VIP lounge, that a second man reportedly kicked him in the face.
A spokesman for Everton said: “James was enjoying a night out with his girlfriend and a group of friends when he was the victim of an unprovoked assault.
“He was shaken by what happened but not badly injured. He did speak to the police but will not be pressing charges.
“He has spoken to (Everton boss) David Moyes about what happened.”
The spokesman said Beattie would be attending training today.
West Midlands Police said the force had not received a report of the incident. No one was available to comment at SobaR.
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