Newcastle United boss standing by striker Andy Carroll

Feb 9 2010 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United manager Chris Hughton has stood by man-of-the-moment Andy Carroll after he was charged with assault.

Hughton last night spoke out in support of the striker, who allegedly attacked an amateur footballer in a nightclub.

And he said he hoped the case would not affect the England Under-21s international’s performance on the pitch.

Gateshead-born Carroll was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an alleged brawl in Newcastle’s Blu Bambu nightclub in the early hours of December 7.

It is claimed he attacked non-league player Michael Cook, who was taken to the city’s General Hospital for treatment to head injuries after the incident.

The 21-year-old forward was formally charged at Newcastle’s Market Street police station yesterday.

Hughton has kept Carroll in the first team squad since the news of his arrest broke.

The Newcastle boss last night said: “Anything that is outside the football club we have dealt with, and dealt with very well. And kept very much in house.”

He also praised Carroll’s recent turns for the club, including his two goals in United’s 5-1 win over Cardiff City last Friday. “He is a player who is on the back of a very good performance on Friday, not only the goals but the actual performance,” he said.

Carroll is due back before magistrates on February 25. ABH carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

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

“This related to an incident at nightclub Blu Bambu in the early hours of December 7, 2009.

“He will appear before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on February 25.”

Painter Mr Cook, who was injured at Blu Bambu, plays for County Durham non-league team Crook Town and is from the Gateshead area.