Blackburn Rovers star Nathan Blake was due to appear in court today accused of a public order offence during a night out.

The £4.2million striker was due to make his appearance in the dock just hours after playing for Wales in Switzerland last night.

Blake, 27, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour after a night out with Wales team mates.

The team returned to Wales today and Blake was expected to go straight to the magistrates court at Newport, Gwent.

He was arrested in the early hours of the morning last Friday in Dock Street, Newport. He had been to a local night club to see American soul singer Alexander O'Neill before going for a takeaway meal. Blake, who signed for Blackburn Rovers in a £4.2million deal from Bolton Wanderers, was released on bail after being questioned.

A Gwent police spokeswoman said: "Nathan Blake was arrested in the early hours and taken to Newport police station.

"He was charged under the Public Order Act concerning threatening and abusive behaviour."

A Welsh team spokesman said: "Team manager Bobby Gould was made aware of the situation. Nathan explained the circumstances and has been totally honest. It was a situation where he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He will be returning to Wales to appear in court."

Blake is back in the Wales squad after a public row with Gould in which he accused the manager of racist remarks and refused to play for the team.

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