BREMEN, Germany, Jan 29 (AFP) - Werder Bremen's Turkish international defender Umit Davala could face up to eight years in prison after three journalists accused him of grievous bodily harm and threatening behaviour.
State prosecuters in the Turkish city of Izmir started proceedings against Davala and two accomplices for the incident which happened in a restaurant back on October 5 2002.
Journalists Ercan Akgun, Unal Gumustekin and Serhan Sarman claim Davala, 31, and two other men attacked them after they tried to take a photograph of the Bremen player.
An angry Davala - who was a member of the Turkey side that reached the 2002 World Cup semi-finals - allegedly helped to destroy their camera equipment before threatening the trio.
A verdict is expected on February 16 with the arms threats meaning Davala and company could face a longer prison sentence.
01/29/2005 12:57 GMT - AFP