GORDON WATSON has decided not to pursue criminal proceedings against Huddersfield defender Kevin Gray "for the good of the game". Bradford striker Watson suffered a double fracture of his right leg in a challenge with Gray during an English League first division game last month.

Watson's club began legal action and Gray was due to be charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm under Sections 18 and 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act, the first relating to intent.

However, five minutes before the case was due to be heard yesterday at Bradford Magistrates, the club's solicitor, Michael Shepherd, said they would be withdrawing the charges.

He added that a High Court writ had been served against Gray and Huddersfield.

Mr Shepherd added: "It is of course, left open to the FA and Huddersfield Town to take appropriate disciplinary action as they see fit, and in any event the civil proceedings by writ, which Mr Watson and Bradford have instituted against Gray and Huddersfield, will continue to be brought to trial in due course".

Neither player attended the court hearing.