No assault charges for Diouf

Bolton forward El-Hadji Diouf will not face charges over an alleged assault on his wife, police revealed today.

The 25-year-old was due to answer bail today, but a statement by Greater Manchester Police said he was released without charge on Tuesday.

He attended a police station last week after reports of an assault in the early hours of Sunday November 5.

A spokesman for the force said: “The 25-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of assault on Sunday 5 November 2006, was released without charge on Tuesday 14 November 2006.”

It was reported that the Senegal international’s wife, Valerie, called police to their Bolton home after allegedly suffering a cut lip.

It is understood there was not enough evidence to press charges.

The former African Footballer of the Year has been a controversial figure since joining Liverpool from French club Lens in a £10million deal in 2002.

He moved to Bolton on loan in August 2004 and signed a permanent deal in June 2005.

He has twice appeared in court following incidents of spitting.

In September 2003 he was fined £5,000 at Glasgow’s Sheriff Court for spitting on a Celtic supporter during a Uefa Cup quarter final with Liverpool.

Last November, he pleaded guilty at Teesside Magistrates’ Court to reckless behaviour after an 11-year-old fan claimed he had been hit by juice the player spat from his mouth in a match at Middlesbrough’s ground.

Diouf, who reportedly earns £40,000 a week, claimed legal aid to fight the case and was fined £500 and ordered to pay £500 costs.

In December last year, he was given a 12-month driving ban and fined £3,000 after being found guilty of drink driving.