Richards arrested over 'nightclub assault'

England and Manchester City footballer Micah Richards was arrested over an alleged assault outside a nightclub.

The 20-year-old defender was questioned by police yesterday after the alleged assault of a man in Hale, Greater Manchester, at around 12.30am on Christmas Eve.

Richards has been bailed until April.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “A 20-year-old man has been arrested after an assault outside a Hale nightclub, at about 12.30am on December 24 2008.

“The man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault by appointment on Wednesday February 4.

“He has been bailed until April 8 pending further inquiries.”

Richards, who joined Manchester City from Oldham Athletic as a 14-year-old, signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the club in February last year.

The alleged victim is thought to be an 18-year-old male.