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Sunday footballer faces life ban after butting opponent's mother

A Sunday league footballer is facing a life ban after he butted an opponent's mother who had run onto the pitch to protect her son.

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Corey Barnett was playing for Black Country Rovers when he became involved in a flare up with Hasbury FC player Jack Weaver.

But when Mr Weaver's concerned mother Pamela ran onto the pitch to intervene, she was butted by Barnett.

As a result of the fracas, in front of a crowd of horrified onlookers at the Red Lion playing fields in Oldbury, Barnett was suspended from having any involvement in football.

He now faces a worldwide life ban and must complete a community order after he was found guilty of assault by beating. According to the referee's report from the October 26 match, Barnett and Mr Weaver had both been red carded after an on-the-pitch altercation.

Mr Kulbir Paul, prosecuting, told Sandwell Magistrates Court yesterday: "The victim's mother was watching when some sort of dispute ensued. She sees the defendant being aggressive and goes on the pitch to protect her son when she is butted.

"This results in blood flow from her lip that was also swollen."

Mr Omar Saddique, defending, said: "Many players also became involved. It was a very chaotic situation. He saw the lady running towards him and didn't know it was his opponent's mother. He feels very sorry for his actions."

Unemployed Barnett, of Lilac Grove, Bentley, Walsall, had denied assault by beating but was found guilty after a trial last month.

He was handed a 12-month community order including 150 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £150 compensation, £500 costs and £60 victim surcharge.

District Judge Mr Michael Wheeler told Barnett, 23, who has two previous cautions for violence, that there was no excuse for his bad behaviour.

Birmingham FA discipline chief Mike Fellows branded the attack during the Warley Sunday League match 'absolutely disgraceful' and said Barnett's football career was over.

"As far as we are concerned he is finished," said Mr Fellows.

"We don't want people like him in the game."

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