Dundee FC footballer in court on police assault charge Published duration 23 February 2015

A Scottish Premiership footballer has appeared in court charged with kicking a police officer.

Dundee FC midfielder Paul McGowan denies struggling with five officers at a house in his home town of Airdrie in November 2014 before kicking another.

The 27-year-old was arrested in the early hours of 23 November in the Lanarkshire town, the day after playing for Dundee against Celtic.

A trial date was set for 26 March, and Mr McGowan was released on bail.

The footballer faces three charges, the first of which alleges he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner at a house in Airdrie's Wheatholm Street, and was shouting and swearing aggressively.

He is also charged with resisting arrest, obstructing and hindering five officers in the execution of their duty, and struggling violently with them.

He is further accused of police assault, where it is claimed he kicked an officer on the body at Coatbridge Police Office.

Mr McGowan spoke only to confirm his name during a brief hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court, and his lawyer entered not guilty pleas.