A footballer has been jailed for two months and ordered to pay £2,000 compensation for twice punching a fellow player in the jaw during a match.

Russell Brown, 23, of St John's Road, Colchester, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasion actual bodily harm to Richard Murden.

Colchester magistrates heard Brown was playing for Millburn when the incident took place at the Birch football ground on January 16.

Rowland Hardy, prosecuting, said Mr Murden, a Birch player, was tackled from behind by Brown and fell to the floor.

Birch players told the defendant to calm down, and he told Mr Murden to "shut his mouth".

Brown punched him twice in the face, leaving him with broken bones in two places on his jaw. The court heard he had a previous conviction for assault.

Richard Plummer, defending, said there was a certain amount of provocation in the match.

"During the match there were a number of unfair tackles, he lost his temper and hit the defendant. It's got to be expected during sport adrenaline runs high and people do lose their temper".

"Mr Brown is emphatic that he wishes to say he's very sorry. He reacted rather than setting out to do something".

Brown was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to the victim.

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