Footballer broke rival player’s arm

AN amateur footballer who broke a rival Oldham player’s arm with a vicious kick in revenge for what he thought was a bad tackle, has escaped prison.

Alan Robertson had to be rushed to hospital in agony after the incident last November as he played for Failsworth Athletic FC against Manchester-based Inter Alliance FC.

He underwent surgery at the Royal Oldham Hospital to insert a metal pin and plate in the arm, and was unable to work for weeks.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court was told that it was five months before he could play sport again after the kick from 24-year-old Graham McKeown.

Sentencing McKeown to a nine-month prison term, suspended for two years, judge Jonathan Geake said: “It is perfectly plain that you bitterly regret your sudden and momentary loss of temper on the football field, but you simply cannot take revenge as you did on this occasion.

“This is not a case where the prosecution say you intended to cause serious injury, but nevertheless that is what you did. It was a dangerous and reckless kick.”

McKeown was also ordered to pay £2,500 compensation to Mr Robertson and carry out 100 hours’ community work.

Alison Heyworth, prosecuting, said that the incident happened after Mr Robertson had made what was described as a “harsh but fair” tackle on McKeown during the match.

Mr Robertson slid to the ground, ending in a sitting-up position, and then put his arms out in order to get to his feet.

Suddenly he heard a loud crack and felt extreme pain in his right arm, she said.

Shocked match officials said the arm appeared bowed and the bones were clearly visible beneath the player’s skin.

Witnesses described how McKeown, who pleaded guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm, had deliberately aimed a kick at the player as he sat on the pitch.

After being arrested, McKeown told police he considered the tackle had been dangerous could have had his legs broken. He said the injury caused to Mr Robertson had been accidental.

Lisa Roberts, defending, said her client acknowledged his action had been reckless and wrong, he was ashamed of what he had done and sincerely regretted it.

She said McKeown, of John Robinson Walk, Moston, was an educated man, with 10 GCSEs and a diploma in fine arts.

He was now working as a trainee legal executive and had been described as an exemplary trainee.

She said: “This incident was completely out of character for him.”