A SOCCER player who smashed the tip of a rival player's nose has been spared jail - but may face a lifetime ban from the game he loves.

Norrie Doogan, 32, told victim Howard Juriancz he "wouldn't finish the match" and punched him after a dispute over whether Mr Juriancz had been offside, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Doogan, of Berkeley Crescent, Padiham, had earlier been convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm by a jury after a retrial and had been told by Judge Raymond Bennett he could face prison.

The judge said his behaviour had ruined the game and spoiled many people's enjoyment. He said the assault was a "nasty incidence of violence," on the football pitch.

It was not the worst, but certainly not the sort of thing that should happen.

The judge went on: "People who behave in that unlawful way must understand if they are found to have done so there has to be punishment. It can't be allowed." Doogan was given 40 hours community service and must pay £750 compensation. The court had been told Doogan hit Mr Juriancz during a game between Lane Ends 'A' and The Woodman pub teams, last November.

Roger Baldwin, defending, said Doogan, who worked for Surridge Dawson newspaper wholesalers, was a "reformed character." He had undoubtedly learned his lesson.

Had the incident happened in front of cameras in a premier match, the defendant would have been sent off but probably would not have faced proceedings in court.

He now had "to face the music" with the Lancashire Football Association and would face a lengthy, if not a lifetime ban.

Soccer was very much part of the defendant's life and that would be heavy punishment. In addition, he could be fined.

Mr Baldwin went on: "The injury was unpleasant, but not one of the worst. There was no intention to cause a fracture or any serious harm."

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