A SOCCER match ended in a punch-up when a centre-half allegedly smashed the rival goalie's jaw in two places.

Burnley Crown Court was told how John Collier, keeper for Newby Farm Reserves, sank to his knees 'spitting blood' from his mouth after Lawrence Ainsworth, playing for Bacup's Boot and Shoe, punched him at the end of the game at Haslingden Sports Centre.

Ainsworth, of Hall Carr Road, Rawtenstall, said to have earlier hit another opposing player, denies inflicting grievous bodily harm last September.

The court heard Mr Collier allegedly took off his gloves and threw them down after remonstrating with Ainsworth, 36. Mr Collier, described by one of his team as "wound up", is said to have run about 45 yards at the final whistle, shouting as he went towards Ainsworth.

Mr Collier underwent surgery on his jaw the day after the alleged attack and was discharged from Blackburn Royal Infirmary two days later, although he continued receiving treatment until January.

Adam Whittaker, Newby Farm's left midfielder, told the jury about ten minutes from the end of the match he had a chance on goal and fluffed it. Ainsworth made reference to him missing a clear chance and there was a verbal exchange.

As he turned his back to Ainsworth, the centre-half hit him on the side of the face.

Ainsworth told him they would "sort it out after the game."

The referee said he had not seen it so the match continued.

Mr Collier ran towards Ainsworth. There was shouting and spectators got involved, provoking both players.

The referee led Mr Collier to one side, possibly to caution him.

Mr Whittaker said the referee then took Ainsworth to one side.

The next thing he saw was Ainsworth swing for Mr Collier and hit him in the face.

He told the court: "There was a lot of blood. John was knelt down, spitting blood from his mouth.

"The centre half was then taken away by the referee."

(Proceeding)

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