Former Arsenal starlet charged over street brawl that saw football agent’s jaw broken
A FORMER Arsenal youth prospect has been charged over a street brawl involving three men in which a football agent’s jaw was broken in a pistol-whipping.
Andre Blackman, 34, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm.
FA-registered agent Tony Finnigan, 62, who has looked after England and Premier League stars, was rushed to hospital for surgery.
A source told The Sun: “He was in a great deal of pain and needed metal plates in his mouth but is now on the road to recovery.
"Everyone thinks he is one of the nicest guys in football with a wife and two young kids at home.
“He has had lots of messages of support from icons of the sport with friends including Ian Wright.”
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Police were called to Streatham Hill, South London, on April 1 following reports of a fight involving three men, in which a man was struck around the face with a gun.
Blackman, of Westminster, appeared at Croydon magistrates’ court on October 23.
He was bailed to appear at Inner London crown court on October 28, where he denied two charges ahead of a four-day trial next July.
The defender was at Arsenal for five years to 2006 before continuing his youth career at Tottenham and Portsmouth.
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He signed for Bristol City in 2009 and had spells at Celtic and Crawley Town, among others, before ending his career at Dulwich Hamlet in 2023.
Former Crystal Palace midfielder Mr Finnigan looks after Brighton star Solly March.
Past clients include England players Leighton Baines, Stan Collymore and Chris Powell.