Jailed: Shropshire footballer who punched opposition player on and off the pitch
A Shropshire footballer who punched an opposing player on the pitch and again off the pitch after they had both been sent off has been jailed.
Craig Knowles broke the jaw of Stuart Howells as the game at Highley, near Bridgnorth, erupted into violence after a high tackle on another player.
Yesterday the 22-year-old, of Sycamore Way, Highley, was jailed for eight months after he admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Howells at Shrewsbury Crown Court. He had already been banned for life from playing league football.
Judge Peter Barrie, who said Knowles would have to serve half the sentence with the rest on licence, said: "Such violence could seriously harm the game of football, a game that gives so much pleasure to so many people.
"No tackle can justify your deliberate act of violence, going over and punching Mr Howells so hard you caused such serious injuries."
Mr John Oates, prosecuting, said the incident happened on September 1 last year when Highley Miners Welfare Club was playing a home game against Spalaig Brittania. Referee Ross Smart later told police that bad behaviour from both the players and spectators at the Highley matches was the norm, Mr Oates said.
He said Mr Howells committed a tackle against the goalkeeper which ended in both players being on the ground. "Knowles ran over, jumped on Mr Howells and punched him several times," he said.
Other Highley players got hold of Knowles and pulled him away and the referee then sent Mr Howells off for the late tackle. Knowles was then also sent off.
Mr Oates said that once off the pitch Knowles again punched Mr Howells. Howells was taken to hospital and although at first it was thought there was no fracture, it was later found that he had a broken jaw that needed surgery.
Miss Gemma Maxwell, for Knowles, said it must be remembered that two players were sent off that day.
