Ex-Dundee Utd star Ralph Milne denies attack on woman
Former footballer Ralph Milne has lodged a self defence plea after he was accused of assaulting a woman.
Milne, 52, who played for Dundee United and Manchester United, pleaded not guilty when his case was called at Arbroath Sheriff Court.
He denied grabbing the woman by the head, seizing her by the neck, forcing her head towards a cooker and frying pan of hot fat.
He also denies repeatedly punching her on the head to her injury.
The attack is alleged to have taken place at a house in Ravensby Road, Carnoustie, Angus, in June.
Nick Markowski, defending, said: "He is adhering to his not guilty plea. It is going to be a defence of self defence."
Sheriff Peter Paterson fixed a trial date for 7 August.
Milne was released on bail with the special condition that he does not enter Carnoustie ahead of his trial.
Milne was Dundee United's most prolific ever goalscorer in European competitions and a key player in their successful side during the 1980s.
He also played for Charlton Athletic and Bristol City before Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson signed him.