Soldier in court over Arsenal goalkeeper attack

A man accused of assaulting Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia during the team’s FA Cup clash with Cardiff City appeared in court today.

Soldier Stuart French, 23, of Countess Bury Avenue, Cardiff, was also charged with invading the pitch during the match, police said.

He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, in London, today in custody after being arrested on Saturday.

A spokesman for the court said he was released on conditional bail and ordered to reappear on January 30. He did not enter a plea.

A second man arrested at the match, unemployed Stephen Cook, 21, has been charged with throwing a coin on to the pitch, police said.

Cook, of Reform Street, Pontlottyn, Bargoed, Mid-Glamorgan, was ordered to appear before magistrates at Highbury Corner on January 17.

He was released on bail.