Motherwell Skipper Paul Quinn Charged Over Nightclub Attack

Feb 24 2008 Exclusive by Lynn Mcpherson

FOOTBALL star Paul Quinn has been charged with a vicious attack outside a nightclub.

The Motherwell FC captain faces court next month after being accused of knocking out a young engineer.

The 22-year-old player - who was chosen to replace tragic Phil O'Donnell as the SPL club's skipper - will stand trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court on two charges of assault.

After a warrant was issued for his arrest, he appeared from custody on December 4 before being bailed.

His alleged victim, trainee civil engineer Andrew Smith, 22, claims he is still on painkillers and has suffered hearing problems after being attacked.

Andrew, of Nitshill, Glasgow, was at Motherwell player Ross McCormack's 21st birthday party at a Glasgow nightclub when assaulted last August.

He claims he was confronted and attacked by Quinn after leaving the bash. Andrew added: "My mum took one look at my face and took me to hospital, where I was X-rayed for a suspected fractured jaw.

"I have been on painkillers for my jaw and ear since the attack and have an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist as I thinkmy hearing may have been damaged.

"I've never been in any kind of bother before."

Andrew's mum Terry, 42, a care assistant, contacted Motherwell in the wake of the incident to ensure club bosses were aware of the allegations.

She said: "I phoned just a couple of days afterwards and spoke to an official. They later said that someone was looking into it.

"That was the last I ever heard.

"We couldn't believe it when we heard Quinn had been made captain despite the allegations against him."

Quinn, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, was given the captain's arm band at the start of the year.

The right-back, who is out of contract next summer, is also believed to have been offered a fresh deal by Fir Park chiefs, who hope to get the player tied up until 2011.

Quinn admitted it was a "surprise" when he was appointed the club's new skipper on January 11.

He added: "To be named captain is a great honour for me.

"I have to represent the club everywhere and in everything I do."

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