December 29, 2001 (Saturday) from Jonathan Woodgate Club 

I could murder an Indian

A HARD-hitting drama about disgraced Leeds United stars Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate is being planned by TV bosses. 

The screenplay, which has the sick working title I Could Murder an Indian, is being developed by award-winning writer Farrukh Dhondy. 

The two-hour show will take in every aspect of the attack on student Sarfraz Najeib and the crown court trials. 

Mr Dhondy, who attended most of this year's two trials, said scripts are now being finalised and the docu-drama could be ready for screening in spring. 

He said: "The programme will tell us something about contemporary Britain that makes young men who have been drinking think of violent provocation. 

"I want to speak to the Leeds players but I am not optimistic they will agree. 

"I am not changing any names or attempting to re-write what happened. It is a drama-documentary in the old fashioned sense." 

Mr Dhondy said Sarfraz, 21, and his family have co-operated with the show. They plan to sue the two players. 

The show examines whether the student and his friends goaded people in the Majestyk club in Leeds before the attack in January 2000 that put him in hospital. 

Sarfraz was so badly injured that he needed months of corrective surgery. 

Bowyer, 24, was cleared of criminal charges at Hull Crown Court. 

Woodgate, 21, was sentenced to 100 hours community service for affray. 

Woodgate's friend Paul Clifford, an ex-boxer, was jailed for six years. 

The show will recreate the chase as the Asian students fled from a pursuing white gang. And it will also raise the issue of young working-class footballers earning salaries of £30,000 a week but failing to lose their attitudes on race. 

Bowyer's and Woodgate's recent pay rises and club fines may also be included. Mr Dhondy, who has been commissioned by Leeds-based Yorkshire Television, said: "The programme will be provocative and hard-hitting". 

Leeds Utd spokesman David Walker said he was aware of plans for a documentary but refused further comment. 

Leeds Utd Supporters Association branded the show a "a load of rubbish".

since 17/6/2001

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