Ice hockey players accused of trying to incite brawl at Kirkcaldy Kestrels v Dundee Tigers match

Two ice hockey players are to stand trial accused of trying to incite a brawl on the ice before one of them allegedly seriously injured an opponent.

Marc Crighton and Marc Leggatt face charges after trouble flared at a Scottish National League match between Dundee Tigers and Kirkcaldy Kestrels in November 2013.

It is alleged that at Fife Ice Arena both men behaved in a threatening or abusive manner, repeatedly shouted and swore and acted in an aggressive manner before uttering threats of violence and challenging others to fight.

Crighton is then alleged to have assaulted opponent Jay Duncan by seizing him and pushing him causing him to fall to the ground before struggling with him.

Prosecutors say that caused severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment.

Crighton faces a further charge of assaulting Connor Baxter by seizing him and pushing him against the door.

Crighton, 27, of Bingham Terrace, Dundee, and Leggatt, 24, of Newton Road, Dundee, appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court to face the charges on indictment.

They both pleaded not guilty, and the case was continued to a trial date later this month.