Pienaar charged over 'punching and kicking of government minister's son'

Life's a beach: Steven Pienaar has been charged with assault in his native South Africa

Steven Pienaar has been charged with assault over a nightclub brawl with the son of a government minister in his native South Africa.



The midfielder, currently on holiday in the Caribbean, appeared at Randburg Magistrates court in Johannesburg to answer charges relating to an incident on June 17, according to website Goal.com.



Pienaar, who finished the season on loan at Everton from Tottenham, is alleged to have been part of a group which repeatedly punched and kicked Thabang Mnisi, the son of South Africa’s deputy minister of public service and administration, Ayanda Dlodlo.

The argument, it is claimed, stemmed from a disagreement over the usage of the toilet in the club’s VIP area.



Pienaar was arrested after handing himself in to police. He must reappear before the court on July 4.



A spokesman for Tottenham said that they were aware of the story but would not make any comment until they 'had the chance to speak to the player and his representatives'.



The 30-year-old was banned from driving for 12 months in 2010 after being convicted of drink driving, while he was also arrested in 2008 over the alleged assault of a woman in Liverpool, although charges were later dropped.



