Southend United's Ryan Hall bailed over affray charge

An Essex footballer has been bailed by magistrates after being charged with affray and possession of an offensive weapon over an incident last year.

Southend United footballer Ryan Hall was charged following an incident in Chichester Road, Southend on 19 December.

The 23-year-old midfielder appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

He was given bail and is due to return to court on 3 March.

Mr Hall joined the Blues from non-league Bromley last summer and scored his first goal for the club against Rotherham United in January.