FOOTBALLER Matthew Jackson has been spared jail for punching an opponent in the face during a match – even though he had a suspended sentence hanging over him for previous violence.

Matthew Jackson, of Victoria Street, Cinderford, was playing for Harrow Hill against Upton St Leonards in the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division One almost two years ago when he punched rival Jamie Henshaw.

Mr Henshaw, a student, suffered two black eyes, a cut on the nose which needed stitches and specialist treatment, and a persistent nosebleed lasting several days.

At Gloucester Crown Court, Jackson admitted assaulting Mr Henshaw causing him actual bodily harm on September 11 2021 and was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to undergo 20 rehabilitation activity days.

He was also ordered to pay £750 compensation to Mr Henshaw.

Prosecutor Michael Hall told the court that during the match Harrow Hill’s Larksfield Road ground, Jackson was playing right back and was ‘exchanging some heated banter’ with Mr Henshaw.

The argument between them had developed following an incident when the ball bounced between both players and they both went for it.

Mr Henshaw’s knee struck Jackson and he retaliated.

A free-kick was then awarded to Upton St Leonards just outside the penalty box.

“Jackson placed his boot on top of Mr Henshaw’s foot, preventing him from moving,” said the prosecutor. “He pushed Jackson off him. Jackson laughed and gestured at Mr Henshaw as he began to take the free kick.

“This incident caused some disquiet between the two players. Jackson told Mr Henshaw that he had deliberately pulled out of the initial challenge and he made some derogatory remarks to him.

“Mr Henshaw replied that he was being juvenile and asked him which school he went to? He then stated that it must have been an infant school.

“The free kick was eventually taken and the ball was sent away from both players. Mr Henshaw headed up the pitch following the play, Jackson followed and landed a closed fist punch on Mr Henshaw’s face, striking his nose hard.

“The Upton St Leonards players rallied around Mr Henshaw to make sure he received medical attention as the bleeding from his nose couldn’t be stemmed and he had also received two black eyes.

“An ambulance was called and while the players waited for the arrival of the paramedics, Mr Henshaw asked Jackson, ‘What the hell have you done?’ to which Jackson replied, ‘It was only a slap’. “

The court was told the match was abandoned and Mr Henshaw was taken to hospital to have four stitches inserted in a two centimetre cut on the bridge of his nose. Mr Henshaw had to take two weeks off work.

He also had to have treatment from a specialist for ongoing problems with his nose.

Mr Henshaw said in a statement to the court that he had been playing football since he was five years old and had not seen aggression on such a  scale before.

He added: “This game has left me feeling a loss of confidence on the field of play. I feel I am far less competitive than I was previously. I am fearful of sustaining further injury and I am much more cautious about embarking on banter with other players.

“I used to like the light-hearted jokes between players, which is commonplace in the sport, but now I am more reserved.”

The court was told that Jackson committed the offence during the term of an existing suspended prison sentence order.

Matthew Harbinson, defending Jackson said: “It is admitted this single punch constitutes the only breach of that court order with all other conditions being completed.

“The pre-sentence report has tackled all the points I would make in mitigation. He has expressed his genuine remorse and regret over the incident whilst outlining the personal issues going on in his life at the time.

“This is not meant as an excuse, but rather an explanation. He realises that as an older, more senior player he wasn’t able to set an example that day because of his conduct.

“He should have demonstrated greater maturity on the pitch. This shows his genuine insight into criminality and the way he conducted himself on that day in September 2021.

“I have seen the bodyworn footage from the police officers who attended the incident that day. It shows Jackson seated alone on the bottom of the steps leading from the pavilion, displaying his dejection at what had just happened. He appears to be overwhelmed by the situation and what was going on around him.

“Any custodial sentence is likely to be only a matter of weeks and I believe justice would be better served with Jackson receiving a community-based sentence.”

Jackson pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Henshaw causing him actual bodily harm on September 11, 2021.

The judge, Mr Justice Pushpinder Saini, told Jackson: “This assault occurred during a football match and it didn’t take place while either of you were at the centre of any play.

“The assault was inflicted by you in an off the ball incident, using a closed fist. The injuries suffered by Mr Henshaw were substantial as his nose continued to bleed for a number of days after the punch.

“This assault was committed during the course of your 24-month suspended sentence for an assault. Violence seems to be a theme in your life. I have been persuaded by your counsel not to activate this sentence because of your level of compliance with the existing order.

“In my judgement the custodial threshold has been passed with the football match assault. The appropriate sentence is a prison term of one year, suspended for 24 months because you have shown significant remorse and you were concerned with the terminal diagnosis of a relative at the time of the incident.

“I do hope this is the last time you’ll be appearing before the courts,” the judge concluded.