Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England midfielder Jack Wilshere was part of a group which hurled homophobic insults at revellers before a fight began outside a nightclub, a court heard.
Kimberley Plested, who fell and broke her arm during the scuffle, was celebrating her 21st birthday at the west London club and her friends had dressed in pink as part of the celebration, Isleworth Crown Court was told.
Wilshere was given a caution for common assault for his involvement in the incident and his friends, Adam Mardell and Duane Brailsford, admitted affray.
Miss Plested's friends, Bradley Martin, 23, and Elliot Fowler, 24, both from Farnham, Surrey, deny affray and are currently on trial.
Prosecutor Warwick Tatford read a statement from Chris Osbourne, a business developer who was out with Miss Plested on her birthday last August.
Mr Osbourne said in the statement: "I think there was 15 of us in total.
"The party had a pink theme to it and therefore everyone was wearing something pink and everyone was wearing pink.
"I walked out of the club with my friend Ben, and Kim was sat on some steps outside a building I know has a media company inside it.
"I had been there for five or 10 minutes when I saw three or four lads.
"I heard one of them say 'Is it sloppy seconds then boys?'
"I cannot recall who said this, Ben and I just shrugged it off.
"Then one of the lads said the words 'Is it the poof brigade?' and made comments about us wearing pink.
"I suddenly became aware it had erupted as I saw one of the males grab Ben by the lapels of his jacket and was invading his personal space."
He referred to the men who made the homophobic taunt as the "Wilshere group", as it included the Arsenal footballer and his friends Mardell and Brailsford.
The three were out celebrating after Wilshere's team beat Blackburn in a Premier League match.
The case continues. Wilshere is not expected to appear as a witness during the trial.