Case against players dropped

Three Leicester City players accused of attacking three women during a training break in Spain today had all charges against them dropped.

Lawyers for Paul Dickov, Frank Sinclair and Keith Gillespie successfully applied for them to be cleared this morning, club chief executive Tim Davies said.

Prosecution lawyers now have a short time period in which they can apply to appeal against the decision.

Mr Davies said: "All charges have been dropped against all the players."

Judge Jacinto Areste granted the application at a court hearing in Cartagena, southern Spain, this morning.

Mr Davies said there was now a period thought to be around two or three days in which an appeal could be made.

In a statement, Leicester City said: "The club welcomes the news that all criminal charges have been withdrawn.

"We are pleased that what has been a very difficult time for a large number of players and their families is now at an end.

"Our players have consistently pleaded their innocence of all the charges made against them and they are delighted that their innocence has now been recognised by the Spanish authorities.

"As a club, we have consistently maintained our total faith in the Spanish judicial system and welcome the news that justice has been seen to be done."