Ex-Footballer Paul Gascoigne Charged With Assault

Paul Gascoigne, widely regarded as one of the finest footballers of his generation, has been charged with two counts of common assault.

He has also been charged with being drunk and disorderly, after an incident at Stevenage railway station earlier this month.

Baljit Ubhey, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Following a British Transport Police investigation, a file was forwarded to us to consider whether any criminal charges could be brought against the 46-year-old man.

"Having carefully reviewed all of the available evidence, Thames and Chiltern CPS authorised officers from BTP to charge the man with common assault and being drunk and disorderly.

"The charges are in relation to an incident at Stevenage rail station on the evening of Thursday 4 July."

Gascoigne was bailed to appear at North and East Hertfordshire Magistrates Court on 5 August.

Last week, the Sun reported that Gascoigne was taken to hospital after being found slumped against a dustbin in London.

Earlier this year, he received treatment for alcoholism at a clinic in America.

Gascoigne, nicknamed Gazza by fans, played for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio and Glasgow Rangers during his career, and won 57 England caps.