WOODGATE: Ridsdale is furious at ban

Sven axes Woodgate from World Cup

JONATHAN WOODGATE has been sensationally banned from the World Cup — by the victim he attacked.

Boss Sven Goran Eriksson had decided to recall the shamed Leeds defender for Wednesday's friendly with Italy.

But in an amazing u-turn, England boss Eriksson last night axed Woodgate from his squad after the FA caved in to political pressure and legal threats.

Woodgate, 24, has been in the international wilderness since being found guilty of affray and sentenced to 100 hours community service after student Sarfraz Najeib was attacked outside a Leeds nightclub.

Eriksson was willing to welcome him back — until the National Civil Rights Movement (NCRM) threatened civil action against Woodgate over the attack.

Furious Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale, who had been told Woodgate was IN the squad, blasted: "If he's not selected, I can only hope that his omission is purely on football grounds.

"I would be very disturbed if any external influences had been brought to bear to prevent Sven Goran Eriksson picking his best squad for the Italy game and, ultimately, for the World Cup."

Last night Suresh Grover, chairman of the NCRM, told the News of the World he contacted the FA to warn a civil action against Woodgate was imminent.

Grover, who acts as a spokesman for Najeib, revealed: "I contacted the FA to make them aware an issue of summons for civil proceedings was due to be served on Jonathan Woodgate.

"The papers have not be drawn up yet but we will be citing the five men initially accused of the attack and Leeds United Football Club.

"I would not like to say exactly when I rang the FA other than it was in the last week."

Eriksson feared that a writ would be served on the player during England training and, after consultating FA chief executive Adam Crozier, the Swede decided to axe Woodgate.

It was also pointed out that an England fan with a similar conviction for affray would not be allowed tickets to attend the World Cup.

Najeib's lawyer Imran Khan said last night: "I have been told Jonathan Woodgate will definitely not be picked for England.

"I have been told from high-level sources he has not been picked. In the event he was picked I would certainly have a statement to make about that."

But Elland Road chairman Ridsdale insisted: "Anyone who thinks Jonathan should not be picked for England should remember he has been through the courts and he has served his sentence.

"He now ought to be free to go on and play for Leeds and England. That must happen otherwise others are adding further penalties and that's just not how the justice system operates in this country.

"The bottom line is that Jonathan has fulfilled his obligation to the court through completing his community service — and he has already been banned by the FA for more than two years.

"Those people who want to see him banned for life for a misdemeanour that the courts decided was worthy of 100 hours' community service. I think their views are inappropriate and misguided."