A footballer has told a jury of his "shock" when he was arrested for murder at an away match.

Daniel Sheriffe, 24, who plays for Bradford Park Avenue, is accused of killing a teenager with a single blow to the head.

He denies the manslaughter of Jose Augusto, 17, outside a Leeds nightclub in the early hours of August 27 last year.

Sheriffe is said to have struck Mr Augusto so hard that he cracked his head fatally on the pavement. He died in hospital four days later of a fracture to the base of his skull.

Yesterday, Sheriffe told Leeds Crown Court how he was arrested for murder at Worksop Town's ground on September 14. The jury heard that the charge was later changed to manslaughter.

Sheriffe said his team had lost the match and received a talk in the dressing room from manager Carl Shutt.

After the players had showered, Mr Shutt told him: "Hurry up and get dressed; someone wants to speak to you outside."

Sheriffe said: "I thought it was a joke but when I saw the look on his face, I knew something was wrong." Sheriffe told how he was met by four police officers.

"I didn't know what to say. I was shocked," he said.

He said there were about 20 police officers standing at various entrances to the football ground. He was taken to Worksop Police Station and then on to Leeds for questioning.

Sheriffe told the jury he was in the area when Mr Augusto was punched on the jaw.

He said he was standing with a friend outside the Cafe Rouge "scouting for girls" when he saw a body on the floor.

He said he was about 18 yards away from the incident which was outside The Town House. A crowd had gathered but he did not go over.

He said he stayed in the area as the ambulance attended because he was handing out flyers for a club. He and his friend then went to a takeaway that sold kebabs.

Asked by his counsel Martin Sharpe if his football coach recommended a diet of kebabs after an evening out, Sheriffe replied: "No. I hope he isn't here."

He told how he read about Mr Augusto's death in the papers about a week later and realised he was close by at the time.

Asked by Mr Sharpe: "Did you punch Jose Augusto that evening?" Sheriffe replied: "No, I did not."

Prosecuting Counsel Paul Worsley QC told Sheriffe that Mr Augusto "went straight down as if poleaxed".

He did not break his fall, cracked his head open and lost consciousness.

Mr Worsley added: "The jury will be considering what sort of powerful young man could deliver such a punch."

Sheriffe agreed that he was fit but added: "I could be fitter."

The trial continues.