A FORMER Crystal Palace footballer has been accused of sexually assaulting and hitting a girl in a nightclub. It is also alleged he sexually assaulted her friend.

Ex-Eagles striker Nathaniel Pinney, aged 21, of South Norwood, is accused of attacking one girl during a night out at the Wonderland nightclub in Sutton.

It is alleged that on August 7, Pinney pulled a girl’s top down so her bra and cleavage were on show in the nightclub.

Later on he allegedly grabbed her again and squeezed her breast.

Pinney is then accused of touching her friend's bottom, before slapping the first woman round the face before hitting her again.

Pinney appeared before Camberwell magistrates via video link from Sutton police station on September 7.

The footballer faces two counts of sexual assault, one count of assault by beating and one count of failing to surrender to police. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Pinney, a product of Crystal Palace’s academy, made only one appearance for the Eagles.

He had a successful loan spell at Ebbsfleet United where he made 28 appearances and scored seven goals. He currently plays for Croydon FC on a week-by-week basis.

Manager John Fowler said he was not aware of the allegations surrounding Pinney. Fowler said the striker would continue to be in his team’s plans despite the allegations.

Pinney will next appear before Croydon magistrates on October 19.