AN MP has criticised Wanderers' star El Hadji Diouf for claiming legal aid while defending himself against charges arising from a spitting incident.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North East, has called on the highly-paid player to repay the several hundred pounds he claimed after a court appearance for spitting out water which hit a young Middlesbrough fan last year.

Mr Crausby said: "It is outrageous that he should be entitled to legal aid. Constituents come into my surgery who are in difficult situations, unable to claim legal aid."

On Wednesday the 24-year-player pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. As a French speaker, he was entitled to claim legal aid for an interpreter. Diouf was fined £500 with £500 costs.