FORMER France international Tony Vairelles has gone on trial accused of shooting a trio of nightclub bouncers.
And the ex-Lens and Lyon striker could be jailed for ten years if found guilty of causing GBH.
Former France striker Tony Vairelles is on trial for a shooting he allegedly committed in 2011Credit: AFP
Vairelles, 48, won Ligue 1 titles with Lens in 1998 and Lyon five years later and was capped eight times, scoring one goal, for Les Bleus between 1998 and 2000.
A court in his home town Nancy heard on Monday that the ex-player was at the centre of a shooting at a local nightclub in October 2011.
Vairelles and three of his brothers allegedly clashed with security staff at the 4 As (Four Aces) at Essey-les-Nancy, around 200 miles east of Paris.
The bouncers were struck by bullets following a fight inside the club.
.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}PAUL FOR IT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}
Jake Paul warns he will retire McGregor and train MMA for six months for fight
The Vairelles brothers were originally accused of attempted murder but now face charges of ‘aggravated violence’ – which they deny.
Bouncer Baldassare Di Napoli told the court: “The shooter tried to aim his gun at my face. I tried to take the pistol off him, and a bullet went through my hand.
“I still have pains the length of my arm, and psychological problems.”
Di Napoli’s brother and fellow doorman Carlo took the stand using crutches to help him walk.
He said: “I feared I would never walk again. I was in hospital for months, and have post-traumatic stress.”
The third bouncer, Peter Gerdrum, said he can still barely walk since being shot in the thigh.
Vairelles told the jury he had been beaten up by the club staff during the incident.
Meanwhile his brothers Fabrice, Giovan and Jimmy said they had suffered broken teeth and injuries all over their bodies after being attacked.
The trial is due to continue until Friday.
Vairelles made 557 senior club appearances before retiring in 2011, scoring 148 goals.
His other clubs include Nancy, Bordeaux, Bastia, Rennes, Tours, Gueugnon, Belgians Lierse and Luxembourg side Dudelange – who he helped to a league and cup double in 2009.