Star footballer charged with assaulting woman on flight to Sydney - 9news.com.au

An international footballer has faced court accused of indecently touching a woman he sat next to on a flight from Bali to Sydney ahead of an Asian Champions League game.

Marko Simic, 31, was questioned by Australian Federal Police at the airport on Sunday and charged with an act of indecency without consent, and common assault.

Croatian-born Simic is due to play for Indonesian side Persija Jakarta tonight against the Newcastle Jets, he did train with his teammates last night.

Simic appeared before an Australian court this morning, accused of indecently touching a woman he sat next to on a flight into Sydney. (9News)

The court ordered Simic to surrender his passport. The footballer will have to remain in Australia until his next court appearance on April 9. (9News)

When asked outside of the Downing Centre today if he was "enjoying his first visit to Australia", he replied "sure".

A court ordered Simic to surrender his passport, and he'll have to remain in Australia until his next court appearance on April 9.

The charges could carry a jail term if proven.

When asked outside of the Downing Centre if he was "enjoying his first visit to Australia", he replied "sure". (9News)

It is unclear if he will play for Persija Jakarta in tonight's game (kick off 7pm).

Simic, who played for the Croatian national team as an under-19 and under-21, has had a well-travelled playing career with clubs in Latvia, Hungary, Vietnam and Malaysia.