Latics scout on golf club assault charge

Paul Butler arriving at Macclesfield magistrates court

Oldham Athletic’s chief scout appeared in court yesterday charged over an alleged punch-up at a school charity event.

Ex-Republic of Ireland international Paul Butler (38) is accused of assault after police were called to an incident at a school’s PTA fundraiser at a golf club in Knutsford, Cheshire, on September 18.

A fellow guest at the Knutsford Oktoberfest at Mere Golf Club is reported to have suffered a broken nose and a split lip.

Butler, from Pickmere, made no plea at Macclesfield Magistrates Court and was was granted bail pending a further hearing in January.

The Manchester-born former defender was named as Latics’ chief scout in July. He is self-employed and works for the club on a freelance basis. Butler has played for Sunderland, Rochdale, Bury and Wolves and was captain of Leeds United.