BLACKPOOL manager Steve McMahon appeared in court this week (June 21) on charges of assaulting an off-duty police officer and threatening to set fire to his house.

McMahon, 38, the former Liverpool player and England international, was arrested after an alleged incident at a Father's Day barbecue near to his home in Formby, Merseyside.

He is charged with having assaulted the police officer, Brian Parle, and with having threatened to set fire to the officer's home in Harebell Close, Formby, in the early hours on Sunday.

McMahon, who was wearing a grey suit and maroon tie, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a four-minute hearing at North Sefton Magistrates' Court.

He was remanded on bail until July 10, but on condition that he does not approach the complainant or go within 50 yards of his home, or approach any other witnesses in the case.

Reporting restrictions were not lifted.

McMahon played for Everton in the early 1980s before moving to Aston Villa and later Liverpool, winning the double with them in 1986.

He then moved to Manchester City, and became player-manager at Swindon before becoming manager of Blackpool at the beginning of the year.