Footballer facing jail for pitch attacks

A Sunday league footballer from the Black Country has been warned he could face jail for punching a team mate and twice trying to headbutt a referee after being sent off.

Christopher Yewen, of Princes End, Tipton, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault at West Bromwich Magistrates Court today.

Yewen, aged 25, of Greensill Avenue, punched team mate Christopher Lambert in the face, causing him a nosebleed, after being ordered off the pitch in an ill-tempered Sandwell Sunday League clash between between Tipton Kings Arms and Tipton Sports last November.

Yewen later stormed back onto the pitch and tried to headbutt referee Steven Durnall, aged 23, from West Bromwich after one of his team mates suffered a broken leg in a tackle.

He was pulled away by pals and did not make contact but waited for the official after the match and tried to attack him again outside the changing rooms.

Yewen was bailed until June 2.

Chairman of the bench Karl Bevington said: “Referees deserve protection, especially in public places. I am considering a custodial sentence.” He also said Yewen would be considered for an anger management course.