Arsenal's Reiss Nelson faces criminal trial in September over alleged 'dog attack' in 2020

  /  autty

Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson is facing a criminal trial in September after his dog allegedly attacked a masseur in his north London home, Sportsmail can reveal.

The 23-year-old was charged after Tiago, believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier, allegedly attacked massage therapist Saeid Motaali on December 2, 2020, leaving him with injuries.

Nelson has been charged with ‘being in charge of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control’.

He denied the accusation on October 31 last year and has since been granted unconditional bail. His trial is set for September 4.

The shock disclosure comes with Mikel Arteta’s side top of the Premier League table, and is likely to be viewed as an unwelcome distraction.

The winger has made 11 appearances so far this season, scoring three goals — including a dramatic 97th-minute winner to beat Bournemouth last month — and providing three assists.

He is in talks over a new contract at the north London club, who he joined as a nine-year-old and where he has gone on to make 59 appearances.

Arsenal, who are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, face Liverpool on Sunday.

Nelson’s representative and an Arsenal spokesperson were approached for comment.

Related: Arsenal Arteta Nelson
Latest comments
Download All Football for more comments