Lawyers for five men accused of a brutal attack on footballer Robbie Hughes have appealed their extradition to a Greek court, where they could face up to ten years in jail if convicted.

The men, who are accused of a serious assault on the Wallington 28-year-old, were extradited by District Judge Caroline Tubbs at Westminster Magistrates Court last week.

But today lawyers for the men lodged an appeal with the High Court to overturn the decision.

Former Croydon Athletic and Sutton United footballer Mr Hughes needed four life-saving operations after the assault, which occurred on on June 17 2008, while on holiday in Malia.

He now suffers from a brain injury and ten-year memory loss after his head was stamped on and he was hit with a bottle outside a nightclub.

Curtis Taylor, 20, Daniel Bell, 21, Sean Branton, 20, all from Horley, Benjamin Herdman, 20, from Worth, Sussex and George Hollands, 22, from Reigate in Surrey, will now await a High Court hearing to fight their extradition.

A sixth man, Joseph Bruckland, 20 from Hookwood, Surrey, was bailed to appear at Westminster court on March 29 for a separate hearing of the same case.