Crystal Palace star Jason Puncheon charged with assault and weapon offense after 'nightclub brawl'

Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon has been charged with assault and possession of an offensive weapon after a fight outside a nightclub in Reigate.

The Premier League star was arrested in the early hours of Sunday (17 December) following the incident outside Mishiko in Church Street.

A witness told The Sun the alleged punch-up came after a row between two women, one of whom was said to have been with Puncheon.

"There was a big slanging match, screaming and swearing," they told the tabloid.

Puncheon was reportedly held in a cell overnight after being arrested following the fracas.

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: "A man has been charged in connection with an incident in Church Street, Reigate, at 2.20am on Sunday.

"Officers attended the area following a report of a fight.

"Jason Puncheon, 31, of Kingswood, has been charged with a Section 4 public order offence – causing fear or provocation of violence, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault."

A statement from Mishiko nightclub said the footballer had been at the venue with friends on Saturday night.

"After the venues closing hours, door staff were alerted to an altercation approximately 50 metres from the venue to which they intervened as a duty of care," it added.

Puncheon has been released on bail to appear at Guildford Magistrates' Court on 5 January.

The Croydon-born footballer has captained Crystal Palace in some matches this season, but did not feature in the club's 3-0 victory at Leicester on Saturday.

It is not known why manager Roy Hodgson dropped him.