LISBON, Apr 3: Portugal coach Artur Jorge announced Thursday that he is bringing a civil action for assault against Ricardo Sa Pinto, the player who attacked him last week ahead of a World Cup qualifying game, reports AP.

Jorge told a news conference at Lisbon's National Stadium, where the incident occurred, that he had decided to start legal proceedings because Sa Pinto was attempting to blame him for provoking the attack.

"(Sa Pinto) has tried to paint me as the culprit for an assault, which is completely out of character for me. This is a singular, grave situation," Jorge said.

He said Sa Pinto, apparently furious at being left oft the Portugal, squad, arrived at the stadium by car as the side was preparing to train for last Saturday's game against Northern Ireland.

"1 was chatting to the team doctor when I was punched twice from behind (by Sa Pinto) and then he violently pushed me to the ground.” Jorge said. His face was bruised in the attack.

He denied Sa Pinto's claim in a newspaper interview last week that he had insulted the player, thus promoting the violence.

Jorge's version of events was backed by three eye witnesses to the incident.