By Matthew Jones
May 28 2003

Controversial defender, Jonathon Woodgate has been cleared of "battering a student" in the Dickens Bar, after Anthony Strange has would him up by saying that Middlesbrough were a better team than Newcastle United, and he should have joined them. Newcastle United's Jonathan Woodgate (Who has been tipped to be a better defender than Rio Ferdinand!) was today cleared of battering a student in a bar room brawl.

Police confirmed that the £9 million centre-back would not face any charges.

Teenager Anthony Strange claimed to have been attacked by Woodgate who was then quizzed by police. Anthony Strange had apparently claimed that Middlesbrough were a better team than Newcastle.

The 18-year-old had been drinking at the Dickens Inn, Middlesbrough. He admitted to saying: "You should have signed for the Boro - they're a better team."

At the time Woodgate denied he had done anything wrong and insisted: "I'm perfectly happy to help with the police in any way they wish. I've nothing to hide. I've done nothing wrong."

Mr Strange said: "I was just winding him up, it went on for about 10 seconds, then he hit me once in the face. It was just a laugh, just daft joke."

The investigation has now been stopped and Woodgate was cleared of all allegations after the Crown Prosecution Service decided to take no further action.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police confirmed today: "The file was returned by the CPS and the no further action is to be taken."

Woodgate's career has been full of controversy after he was charged with a street attack on an Asian student in Leeds three years ago.

Sarfraz Najeib suffered horrific injuries, including a broken leg, and Woodgate and at the time Leeds United team-mate Lee Bowyer (Who has just recently signed for Newcastle United) were charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray.

Woodgate, who denied the charges, went to trial at Hull Crown Court in 2001...the hearing collapsed. At a re-trial, Woodgate was cleared of the GBH charge but was convicted of affray.

He was ordered to carry out 100 hours' community service, which he spent sweeping parks and painting fences at public buildings in Middlesbrough. Leeds United decided to take thier own action too. He was further fined eight weeks' wages - £112,000.

He then set about putting is career back on track and going "straigh", in April last year he was hospitalised for days with a fractured cheekbone. How was it caused? A "punch-up" with "a pal", described as "horseplay" outside the Dickens Inn.

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