Stevenage player punched why

Updated: PM November 1, You may also want to watch:. Most Read. Become a Supporter This newspaper has been a central part of community life for many years. Don't Miss. Phillip Mansfield, prosecuting, told the court how Fitzgerald had had a grudge against Mr Laird.

The punch left the player with bump on the side of his face and little recollection of how he got back to the changing room. Mr Mansfield urged magistrates to hand Fitzgerald a football banning order which would stop him from attending any match. Jennifer Browne, defending, said the player's injury was "on a minor scale" and was "only one punch". She said: "The injured party had a relationship with Mr Fitzgerald's current girlfriend some time ago, but my instructions are that he did not treat Mr Fitzgerald's current girlfriend correctly.

Miss Browne said that Fitzgerald had later handed himself in, telling police he was "feeling like a bit of a prat in front of all those people". He showed "deep remorse and deep regret" and wished it had not happened, she added.

Miss Browne also said Fitzgerald had had a "chequered childhood" but nevertheless had done "incredibly well". The court heard that Fitzgerald had a previous conviction for grievous bodily harm and was given a sentence of six and a half years before being released in In a victim statement, Mr Laird said he did not want to worry about fans coming on to the pitch.

Reading the statement, Mr Mansefield said: "I'm concerned that if the male who did this to me is allowed back into the ground that it might happen again. I just want to play football well and enjoy the celebrations when we win, not worry about him getting back on to the pitch.

Fitzgerald, of Colts Corner, Stevenage, pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault and one charge of entering the field without lawful authority. Magistrates adjourned sentencing for reports but said the offences had crossed the custody threshold.

The altercation, which was captured by TV cameras, occurred because the player had previously had a relationship with Fitzgerald's girlfriend and "not treated her correctly", Stevenage magistrates court was told.

Sentencing him, the chair of the bench, Linda Nadauld said: "The offence was fuelled by alcohol, and it has become clear from the television evidence that you made a beeline for this particular player.