Man City’s Johnson arrested over ‘headbutt’

Manchester City’s Michael Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm after allegedly headbutting a fan of local rivals Manchester United, police said Wednesday.

The incident took place after the alleged victim was singing United songs with friends in the club, 42nd Street, in Manchester city centre.

Johnson, 22, was arrested later and interviewed by police. He is currently on bail.

The alleged victim, also 22, is understood to have flagged down a passing police patrol in the early hours of December 6, last year.

Johnson was arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm and has been bailed until April 14.

The midfielder, from Urmston, Greater Manchester, came through the ranks at the club’s academy and made his first team debut in October 2006.

He has also represented England at Under-19 and Under-21 level but his career has been interrupted by injury in the last two seasons and he is currently out of action after rupturing knee ligaments.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said Wednesday: “Just after 1am (0100GMT) on Sunday 6 December 2009, a patrol car was flagged down and an officer was told a man had been assaulted.

“The 22-year-old victim reported that he had been assaulted in 42nd Street nightclub.

“The man had a cut to the face but no other injuries.

“A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm, a section 47 assault, and remains on police bail until 14 April 2010 as inquiries continue.

“Two other men, aged 21 and 22, have been interviewed under caution to assist inquiries.”