Former professional footballer Darren Pitcher has lost his battle for £1m damages from Huddersfield Town for a tackle which ended his career.
Darren, of Marlborough Road, Grays, who played at the top level for Charlton and Crystal Palace after winning national honours at under-15 level, claimed his promising professional career was ended after a "reckless" challenge during a First Division game.
Darren, 31, suffered the injury while playing for Crystal Palace against Huddersfield on August 31, 1996. Despite attempts at a comeback, he never played more than a handful of professional games again.
But Mrs Justice Hallett, giving the ruling at London's High Court on Tuesday, said tackle which caused the injury was not negligent.
She said: I appreciate what a disappointment my judgement will be for Mr Pitcher. I can only hope that he can in future come to terms with this devastating injury and the effect it has had on his footballing career and his life."
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