Manchester City footballer denies casino brawl charges

Kelvin Etuhu came through Manchester City's academy

A Manchester City footballer has denied assaulting two men outside a casino in the city.

Kelvin Etuhu, 22, was arrested after two men were attacked outside Manchester 235 Casino on 28 February.

He pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent in relation to one man, and denied assault occasioning actual bodily harm in the case of the other.

The forward is charged alongside Leonard Rico Richards, 27, from Longsight, Manchester.

Mr Richards also pleaded not guilty to both charges. Both were released on bail to appear for trial at Manchester Crown Court on 7 February.

After emerging through the club's academy, Mr Etuhu made his first senior appearance in September 2007 during a Carling Cup fixture.

He spent one period on loan at Leicester City and in August 2009 was loaned to Cardiff City to help their promotion push.

Mr Etuhu, who is a graduate of the Manchester City academy, has also been on loan at Rochdale but is currently back with his home club.