Football: Collymore assault charge

The Aston Villa stiker Stan Collymore has been charged with assault. Collymore, 26, was arrested at an address in Cannock, Stafforshire on Christmas Eve, and has been bailed to appear before magistrates in the town.

Collymore, an England international, joined Villa from Liverpool in the summer for pounds 7m. He joined Liverpool from Nottingham Forest in 1995 for what was then a British record fee of pounds 8.5m.

Despite being a regular with Villa this season, his performances have been widely criticised. Collymore was due to play for Villa against Spurs today.