A doorman who claims he was glassed in the face by Chelsea footballer John Terry has admitted he had been part of a police drugs inquiry.

But Trevor Thirlwall, 28, angrily denied being a criminal, as he was cross-examined in the trial of three footballers.

The doorman of the Wellington nightclub in Knightsbridge, central London, said he was "helping police with their inquiries" as part of an investigation.

Mr Terry, fellow Chelsea player Jody Morris and Wimbledon player Des Byrne are accused of becoming violent after being asked to leave the club on 4 January. They deny the charges.

'Police formality'

Defence lawyers have alleged the doorman made up the alleged attack because he needed �70,000 after having five kilos of heroin seized by detectives.

Giving evidence at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court in London, the doorman was asked repeatedly by the lawyer representing Mr Terry if he had been arrested.

"Through the course of their inquiries police, as a formality, sometimes arrest people - I was helping the police with their inquiries," he told the court.

"There is a difference, a difference which you wish to exploit."

John Terry has captained England's Under 21 team

Asked if he was implying that he had been working for the police, Mr Thirlwall replied that the answer to the question could have "dire consequences".

After being accused of being a criminal the doorman launched an explosive outburst from the witness box.

"That's not only slanderous but that's defamatory of character," he said.

"I am the victim of a violent crime, I have not come here for financial gain, I did not ask to be put in this position."

Mr Thirlwall said that he and his brother Matthew, a professional boxer, were living in fear of reprisals since the alleged attack after receiving threats.

Mr Terry denies wounding Mr Thirlwall with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a glass bottle as an offensive weapon.

Mr Byrne also denies possessing an offensive weapon and all three players deny a charge of affray.

The case continues.