Crystal Palace captain Jason Puncheon has pleaded not guilty to assault and public order charges following an incident outside a nightclub in Reigate, Surrey. The 31-year-old midfielder appeared at Guildford Magistrates' Court on crutches after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Puncheon was arrested on December 17 after allegedly being involved in a fight between two girls near Mishiko nightclub. The court heard that CCTV footage showed Puncheon removing his belt and swinging it, with the buckle striking a security guard, Paul Mendy, on the back of the head. Fortunately, the victim was not injured.
Prosecutor Darren Matravers told the court that Puncheon's actions caused fear of immediate violence, leading to the section four public order charge. A third charge of possession of an offensive weapon was withdrawn. Puncheon entered not guilty pleas to both remaining charges: causing fear or provocation of violence and common assault.
Defence lawyer Gary Bloxsome argued that the CCTV footage was a 'snapshot' and did not show the events leading up to the incident, including alleged provocation. The case was sent for trial at Staines Magistrates' Court on June 4, and Puncheon was released on bail with conditions not to contact Mr Mendy or enter the nightclub.
Puncheon, who grew up in Croydon and scored for Palace in the 2016 FA Cup Final, was named first-team captain in July. He will miss the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury while challenging Kevin De Bruyne in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Manchester City.
