Brighton midfielder Rohan Ince is looking forward to "getting his career back on track'' after he was cleared by a jury of hitting a bouncer with a Jack Daniel's bottle.
The 24-year-old was found not guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm outside Atik nightclub in Windsor in the early hours of Christmas Day in 2015.
The jury at Reading Crown Court returned a unanimous not guilty verdict on Wednesday afternoon, having retired just over two hours previously.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton was in court as closing speeches were made on Wednesday morning and left before the verdict was returned.
Speaking on behalf of Ince, his solicitor Steven Barker said: "He's glad the ordeal is over. His life has been on hold for 14 months.
"He thanks the jury for a swift unanimous verdict. He thanks his club for the support they have given him.''
Barker said the footballer also thanked his legal team and family, adding: "He's looking forward to getting his career back on track.''
During the trial, the court heard that doorman Gregor Jurcic, 27, suffered a "nasty'' head injury that required seven staples and has been left with scarring.
Up to 500 people had gathered outside the nightclub, on Victoria Street, between 3.30 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Ince was accused of jumping up and hitting Jurcic, who was helping police disperse revellers at the time, in a "slam dunk'.'
But the footballer denied carrying out the attack, insisting he had not been holding a bottle and that it was a case of mistaken identity.
A club spokesman said in a statement: "Brighton & Hove Albion are pleased to note the not guilty verdict at the conclusion of the trial involving Rohan Ince. This concludes a difficult period for Rohan, and we trust that his privacy and that of his family will be respected.
"The club will not be making any further comment on this matter.''
Ince has not played for Brighton in the Championship this season, though has played seven times in the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Football League Trophy. He joined League One side Swindon Town on loan on deadline day last month.