England winger charged for assault

London, Feb 2 (IANS): Jamaican-born footballer Raheem Sterling, who plays for England, is expected to make a court appearance later this month after he was charged with assaulting a woman.

The 18-year-old was summoned to Liverpool Youth Court Friday on a charge of common assault for an incident which is alleged to have happened when he was 17, reports CMC.

Police have said that the 27-year-old woman suffered “slight” facial injuries during an alleged incident in Liverpool, Nov 2, 2012.

But Sterling, the Liverpool and England winger, who did not attend the hearing, has denied the allegation.

“I do have instructions to the effect that Sterling will be pleading not guilty to this charge,” said Mick Hogan, a lawyer who appeared in court on Sterling’s behalf.

“He is aware of today’s hearing and the club is very supportive.”

The move to an adult court was supported by the prosecution and the case was adjourned to Liverpool Magistrates’ Court Feb 22.

Late last year, Sterling was the target of a recruitment campaign by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) seeking to keep alive the “Reggae Boyz” chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

However, Sterling choose to play for England and made his senior international debut last November against Sweden.