Davids Beat Me Up, Claims Girlfriend
Wednesday 20th February 2002
Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids has been accused of assault by his former girlfriend, a spokesman for the Dutch public prosecutor in Amsterdam confirmed on Wednesday.
The girlfriend, known as Sarah H, alleges that Davids beat her throughout their relationship which began in 1998 and that the latest episode occurred last week.
Sarah H, who has a two-year-old son by Davids, told police that she feared for her life during a recent quarrel with the Holland international who is alleged to have squeezed her neck then cut her arm by pushing her against a window.
The 23-year-old also claims that the violence towards her worsened during the ban Davids was forced to serve for testing positive for the steroid nandrolone last season.
An investigation will be made into the claims and if found guilty, Davids could face a maximum eight-year prison sentence.
Juventus coach Marcello Lippi refused to comment on the allegations. "This is a private episode that doesn't interest a manager," he said.
This is not the first time Davids has been accused of violence during his spell in Italy.
While at AC Milan, he was accused by two men and a woman of assault after they unwittingly used his parking space. Davids denied the charges and the case never went to court.
Davids, who returned from his ban in September, has become a pivotal member of the Juve side again despite initially struggling to find his form this season.
He was twice sent off on his return and his future at the club looked in doubt after he threatened to quit in December after Igor Tudor was preferred in midfield for a Champions' League tie away to Arsenal.
But Tudor picked up an injury in that game and Davids has not looked back since, cementing his place in the centre of the Juve midfield as the Turin club stormed to the top of Serie A on the back of a 12-game unbeaten run.
