A FOOTBALLER had to undergo surgery for a broken jaw after being punched by an opponent during a league match in Suffolk, a court has heard. Justin Carrington was playing for Ipswich-based Alstons against Elmswell United when he was allegedly assaulted by opposition player Timothy Nice, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

A FOOTBALLER had to undergo surgery for a broken jaw after being punched by an opponent during a league match in Suffolk, a court has heard.

Justin Carrington was playing for Ipswich-based Alstons against Elmswell United when he was allegedly assaulted by opposition player Timothy Nice, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The incident took place on Saturday March 10, during a Suffolk and Ipswich League division three game at Blackbourne Community Centre in Elmswell, said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

Nice, 38, of The Street, Woolpit, has denied inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Carrington.

Giving evidence, the alleged victim said that in the second half of the match - while his side were losing 2-0 - he had carried out a sliding tackle on Nice.

He said he and the defendant both ended up on the ground and afterwards he argued with the referee who had ruled it was a foul.

Mr Carrington said he approached Nice to see if he thought it was a foul, and there had been an exchange of words between them. Carrington said he tapped the defendant on the back of the neck a couple of times before Nice hit him in the face causing him to fall to the ground.

The referee sent Nice off, and Mr Carrington continued playing for about 20 minutes until he felt he had to come off because of the pressure building around his jaw.

He went to hospital two days later and underwent surgery the following day to have titanium plates and screws inserted permanently in his broken jaw.

The court heard that when Nice was interviewed by police he admitted hitting Mr Carrington, but claimed he was acting in self-defence.

The trial continues today .