A footballer who lashed out at an opponent after a bad tackle was today facing a jail term.

The vicious brawl on the Astroturf pitch at Waterside Sports Centre, Canvey, left defendant David Thomson with a fractured shoulder and his victim with cuts, bruises and a broken nose.

Appearing in the dock at Southend Magistrates' Court, Thomson, 34 of Thundersley Park Road, Benfleet, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm during the march on November 26 last year.

The court heard that a group of friends met once a week at the centre to play a game of football and keep fit.

Simon Samuels, defending, said it was understood between the group that the game was non-competitive.

He said: "These were all people who relied on fitness for their jobs."

But builder Thomson claimed one of the opposition team was not playing by the rules.

Margaret Currie, prosecuting said: "Aggro broke out after what Mr Thomson believed was a bad sliding tackle by a six foot tall, 14 stone player. The tackle hit him three inches above the ankle causing him to fall over, fracturing his shoulder. He retaliated."

The court heard Thomson saw red and lashed out, swinging two punches from his good arm and kicking the other player in the face.

He said he was provoked and acted out of character.

Thomson was remanded on unconditional bail by Southend magistrates until February 22nd when he will be sentenced.

Magistrates warned he may be sent to prison.

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