An amateur footballer, who headbutted an opponent in an off-the-ball incident in a Wessex League match, was today spared an immediate prison sentence.

Shaun Dallimore, 24, left Hythe & Dibden midfield player Steve Green with a fractured cheekbone which still leaves him with sensations in the face nearly a year after the brutal assault.

Southampton Crown Court jurors heard how the violence happened shortly before half-time when Hythe were winning their match against Tadley Calleva, for whom Dallimore was playing centre back.

There had been the usual jostling for positions after Hythe had been awarded a free kick on the edge of the Tadley penalty area when Dallimore - a firefigher - twice trod on Mr Green's foot and then threatened him, saying: "I'm going to smash you in a minute."

He then grabbed Mr rGeen's shirt and headbuttded him in the face, sending him crashing to the ground and leaving him unconscious for about six minutes.

Dallimore, a firefighter, of Woodlands Road, Baughurst, was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm. He had denied the charge.

Today Judge Nicholas Rowland said he had been impressed by two references - one from Chief Fire Officer Kevin Clarke stationed at Aldermaston and Tadley Football Club chairman Sandy Russell.

Giving Dallimore a 12 month suspended sentence, he told him: "What you did went far across the line, whatever the perceived confrontation. You gratuitously headbutted him and fractured his cheekbone. You used your head as a weapon in a moment of temper.

"Make sure you carry on with your career and there is no repetition of this behaviour."

The judge also ordered him to pay Mr Green - who has since moved to Australia - £1,200 compensation for his injury and loss of income.

Edward Hollingsworth, defending, said Dallimore had been under some emotional pressure at the time after his parents had separated.

He said: "It partly explains why he allowed his emotions to erupt that day.

"The court heard that Dallimore had been suspended by the Hampshire FA and they were awaiting today's outcome to cdetermine whether further action should be taken against him."