Footballer jailed over tackle

A SUNDAY league footballer has become the first person in the UK to be jailed for a tackle on an opponent.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Mar 2010, 21:40 BST

Updated 4th Mar 2010, 22:08 BST

Striker Mark Chapman repeatedly stamped on Terry Johnson with his studs up 20 seconds before the final whistle.

Chapman, 20, pleaded guilty to maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm at Warwick Crown Court.

Chapman sobbed in the dock as he was jailed for six months.

Judge Robert Orme told him the tackle had been ''deliberate and pre-meditated''.

He added: "The result of what you did was that Mr Johnson suffered a badly broken leg."