Newcastle United footballer charged with assault

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll was charged with assault today following an incident at a city centre nightclub.

The 21-year-old is accused of attacking another reveller inside the Blu Bambu, on Newcastle's Bigg Market, in December.

Carroll, of Prestwick, Newcastle, will face magistrates in Newcastle later this month.

After Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League, Carroll has been a regular this season as the club looks to return to the top flight at the first attempt.

The England U21 international has scored eight goals in 20 matches for top-of-the-table Newcastle this season.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Andrew Carroll, 21, of Prestwick, Newcastle, has today been charged with assault.

"This follows an incident at Newcastle's Blu Bambu nightclub in the early hours of December 7 2009.

"He will appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on February 25."