Crystal Palace footballer charged with assault after street fight
A Premier League footballer has been charged with assault and having a weapon after a fight erupted in the street near a nightclub.
Jason Puncheon was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning and taken into custody after officers were called to the disturbance on Church Street, in Reigate, Surrey, police said.
The 31-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder had been partying with friends at nearby nightclub Mishiko beforehand.
A Surrey Police spokesman said officers were called to the scene at 2.20am, adding: "Jason Puncheon, 31, of Kingswood, has been charged with a section 4 public order offence - causing fear or provocation of violence, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault."
The nightclub confirmed Puncheon attended the venue with friends.
A spokesman said: "After the venue’s closing hours, door staff were alerted to an altercation approximately 50 metres from the venue to which they intervened as a duty of care. Surrey Police were prompt to attend and made necessary enquiries."
He was released on bail and is due to appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on January 5.
Puncheon, who grew up in Croydon, said it was a "proud moment" when he was announced as first-team captain for the season in July.
He still maintains this title but did not play in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Leicester City.
Despite being named in the provisional squad as a contender to replace suspended Luka Milivojevic who was serving a one-match ban, he was also not listed as a substitute.
Crystal Palace declined to comment.
Puncheon could not be contacted.
