A Premier League footballer has been charged with assault and having a weapon after a fight erupted in the street near a nightclub.

Jason Puncheon was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning and taken into custody after officers were called to the disturbance in Church Street, Reigate, Surrey Police said.

The 31-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder had reportedly been partying with friends at the nearby Mishiko nightclub beforehand.

A police spokesman said: "Jason Puncheon, 31, of Kingswood, has been charged with a Section 4 public order offence - causing fear or provocation of violence, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault."

According to The Sun, the nightclub issued a statement which said Puncheon attended the venue with friends but, after it had closed, door staff intervened in a fight in the street some 50 metres away and police were called.

A police spokesman confirmed officers attended an incident at 2.20am but would not disclose further details.

Puncheon was released on bail and is due to appear at Guildford Magistrates' Court on January 5.

Both Mishiko and Crystal Palace FC have been contacted for comment.

Puncheon, who grew up in Croydon, said it was a "proud moment" when he was announced as first-team captain for the season in July.

He still maintains this title but did not play in Saturday's 3-0 win against Leicester City, according to club records.

Despite being named in the provisional squad as a contender to replace suspended Luka Milivojevic who was serving a one-match ban, he was also not listed as a substitute.

Puncheon could not be contacted.