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Gascoigne arrested over 'assault'
Former England football star Paul Gascoigne has been arrested over an alleged assault outside a hotel.
Mr Gascoigne, 38, was arrested on Monday night outside the Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool after a member of the press said he had been attacked.
Merseyside Police confirmed a 38-year-old was in custody in the city.
Mr Gascoigne, an ex-Newcastle, Rangers and Spurs player, returned to football as non-league Kettering Town's manager in October, but was sacked on Monday.
He had been in Liverpool on Monday to speak at a fund-raising event for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.
It is not clear if he was staying at the Hope Street Hotel but paramedics were called and they treated the journalist at the scene.
"The person who reported the matter was a member of the press who received medical treatment at the scene," Merseyside Police said.
They would not say which organisation the journalist was from, though he was later reported to be a freelance photographer.
'Tough time
Speaking to the BBC, musician Chris Difford said he was at the event and saw some "pushing and shoving" outside involving some photographers.
Mr Gascoigne did not appear to want his picture taken, he said.
"He did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol," added Mr Difford.
Earlier on Monday, Kettering Town chairman Imraan Ladak fired Mr Gascoigne after just 39 days in charge at the Nationwide Conference North side, over claims about his conduct.
Mr Ladak said he spoke to Mr Gascoigne after 37 separate incidents since he became manager.
Website criticism
He claimed Mr Gascoigne was "under the influence of alcohol before, during and after several first-team games and training sessions".
Mr Ladak had urged Mr Gascoigne to seek "professional medical assistance".
The former midfielder, whose other clubs as a player included Lazio, Everton, Middlesbrough and Burnley, admitted drinking a double brandy before one game.
Mr Gascoigne posted a statement on his website criticising Mr Ladak over lack of funds for players and accusing him of undermining his position as manager.
He admitted he had been through a "tough time" over the past year and was having counselling.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4501974.stm |
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