Paul Gascoigne charged with sexual assault

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Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been charged with sexual assault on board a train.

The 51-year-old former midfield maestro, popularly known as Gazza, was arrested by the local police at Durham train station in northern England in August and released while the case was being investigated.

The British Transport Police issued a statement saying, "Paul Gascoigne, of Amy Street, Leicester, was charged via postal requisition with one count of sexual assault by touching, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003."

"The charge relates to an incident on board a train on 20 August this year."

The mercurial footballer, who played for Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the English league, is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on December 11.

Paul Gascoigne bursts into tears after England lost the FIFA World Cup Finals 1990 semifinal against West Germany at the Stadio Delle Alpi, in Turin, Italy, July 4, 1990. /VCG Photo

Known for his ill-temper despite having sublime skills during his playing days, Gascoigne has spent several spells in rehab battling alcohol and drug addiction.

He played 57 international matches for England between 1988 and 1998.

The most vivid memory of his playing career was during the 1990 World Cup in Italy when he burst into tears after receiving a yellow card in England's semi-final against West Germany as that would have automatically seen him suspended for the final if England had qualified.

He also played for the Serie A side Lazio in 1992 before signing for Rangers three years later and playing for five more clubs before hanging his boots in 2004.