Two Montrose FC players have appeared in court in Dublin accused of assaulting a man and obstructing a police officer.
Midfielder Liam Callaghan, 25 and striker Craig Johnston, 24, were arrested in the Irish capital last weekend.
The pair – who are also cousins – appeared in court this week accused of assault causing harm to a man in Ely Place in central Dublin.
They are also accused of obstructing a Garda and engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in the same location on December 8.
Callaghan, of Lime Park Crescent, Kelty and Johnston, Moss Green Street, Kelty, were both released on bail.
They both had to lodge €1,000 with the court.
Neither player entered a plea when they appeared before Judge John Hughes and Dublin District Court.
Defence solicitor John Quinn told Judge Hughes the investigating Garda is seeking direction from the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions on how to proceed with the case against the two men.
The case may be transferred from the district court to the circuit court, which can impose tougher sentences.
The pair face charges contrary to section three Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and the Public Order Act.
Callaghan and Johnston first appeared before court on Monday but made their second appearance on Friday.
They were ordered to return to court in March.
Montrose FC secretary Brian Petrie said: “The club are looking into the circumstances of the alleged incident at present and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment at this stage.”
Both players are currently listed as injury doubts for the Gable Endies’ game at Links Park against Clyde.
Callaghan signed for Montrose from Arbroath on a free transfer in January 2017.
He has made 69 league appearances for the club, scoring one goal.
Johnston signed for Montrose in July 2017 and has scored nine goals in 54 league games.
Montrose FC’s unacceptable conduct policy says it will not tolerate violent or disorderly conduct from any player, official or supporter of the club.
It says any player who breaches this conduct of conduct could be suspended or banned.
