Sunday league footballer jailed for breaking opponent's leg in tackle

Kerr is said to have performed a "long jump" motion as he brought both feet stamping down on his victim

There are around 40,000 amateur football clubs in England (Paul Harrop)

An amateur footballer has been jailed after deliberately breaking an opponent's leg during a Sunday league football match.

Nathaniel James Kerr, 27, was sentenced to one year behind bars after running towards 30-year-old Stuart Parsons before jumping into the air and stamping on his outstretched leg.

Kerr then subjected his victim to a tirade of abuse in which he called the player a "wimp" during the early stages of a Sunday League football match in Hazel Grove, Stockport, Greater Manchester.

Kerr was said to have performed a "long jump" motion as he brought both feet stamping down on his victim in the "vicious attack" on August 31 2014.

Mr Parsons was in hospital for several weeks and had to undergo extensive reconstructive surgery, leaving him unable to work.

Kerr of of HMP Forest Bank, pleaded guilty to Section 20 assault at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court.

Police said that the victim had become involved in a verbal argument with an opposing player.

Moments later he played the ball when from some distance away Kerr ran towards him.

As the 30-year-old rolled around in agony, Kerr pointed at his team-mate and shouted: "I've done this 'cos of you!"

Constable Louise Spencer said: "This injury has had a catastrophic effect on the victim's life, meaning he has been unable to work or support his young family.

"He is self-employed and the injury meant he was forced to rely on the kindness of his team-mates, who arranged fundraisers and charity events to provide the financial support he needed.

"All the while Kerr has shown absolutely no remorse for his vicious attack, calling the victim a 'wimp' and verbally abusing him as he was lying in agony on the pitch.

"The subsequent investigation and conviction into this assault demonstrates that this kind of aggression and thuggery during sporting fixtures will not be tolerated by Greater Manchester Police."

Press Association