Marcus Bent pleads not guilty to affray and possession of bladed weapon

Former Premier League footballer Marcus Bent has pleaded not guilty after allegedly threatening police with weapons outside of his home.

The 37-year-old, who signed for 10 different clubs before his football career ended in 2012, was charged by police earlier this month.

It is alleged that the former England Under-21 player was tasered by officers when he charged at them with a 15-inch knife and a meat cleaver.

According to the Daily Star, during a hearing at Staines Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, Bent pleaded not guilty to one count of affray and two of possession of a bladed article.

Bent, who played for Everton, Crystal Palace and Leicester City during his career, was also charged with possession 0.1 grams of cocaine.

The ex-footballer was granted unconditional bail and ordered to attend a preliminary hearing at Guildford Crown Court on October 16.