A Dutch footballer who will be tried for attempted murder and aggravated assault in an Amsterdam court next week told Dutch newspaper AD the charges were exaggerated and it was self-defence.

Evander Sno will appear on Wednesday 9 March for accusations related to a brawl in Amsterdam on 11 August 2013. Sno and two family members – who have not been named – allegedly beat two victims and kicked them in the face, even after they were on the ground.

The alleged violence towards one person is so serious that the Dutch public prosecutor is seeking a conviction for attempted murder.

But speaking on the telephone to Dutch national tabloid, AD, Sno said it was all ‘exaggerated’ and ‘I had to defend myself.’

The 28-year-old midfielder reportedly said: ‘Attempted murder is greatly exaggerated. They are really making it much larger and more serious than it was. There was a scuffle, involving people I knew. I wanted to calm things down…Then I was hit myself, and yes, I don’t let myself get hit, so I defended myself. But I certainly didn’t kick them when they were on the ground…They are making a big thing about it because I’m a football player.

Sno was born in Dordrecht and has played for clubs including Celtic, Ajax, Bristol City and Westerlo, where his contract ended in December 2014 by mutual agreement. He hit the headlines in 2010 when he had a heart attack on the pitch.