Former Liverpool star Gary McAllister was allegedly punched in the face, causing his teeth to go through his lip, a court has heard.
Bermudian national Damien Swan, 33, made a brief appearance at Leeds Magistrates' Court today, where he indicated a not guilty plea to assaulting the ex-Reds midfielder, on March 24, last year.
Sending the case to Leeds Crown Court, District Judge Richard Kitson said the case involved a "nasty injury".
He said: "This was an alleged punch to the face, causing Mr McAllister's teeth to go through his lip, and there was damage to the teeth as well."
Swan, wearing black jeans and a checked shirt, only spoke to confirm his name and give his date of birth, address and nationality.
The clerk asked him if he wished to indicate a plea at this stage to the offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and Swan replied: "Not guilty."
The defendant, of Greenmount Terrace, Beeston, Leeds, was bailed until his next appearance at Leeds Crown Court on February 12.
McAllister, 55, was treated in hospital following the incident in Call Lane in the city centre at around 4am on Sunday, March 24.
He was reportedly waiting for a taxi with his wife, Hayley, when the assault took place.
McAllister played for Liverpool under Gérard Houllier from 2000-2002, playing in the team that won the treble in the 2000-01 season.
He has worked alongside Steven Gerrard as the assistant manager at Rangers since the former Liverpool captain was appointed in 2018.
The Scotsman also played for Leeds from 1990 to 1996, a period which saw them become champions of the former First Division in 1992.
He captained the team for two seasons before a move to Coventry City.
The 55-year-old has 57 caps for Scotland and captained the team to the Euro 96 finals.
