An amateur footballer was handed a fine after smashing an opponent in the face after “jostling” with him at a corner.
Jason Stewart lost the rag at opponent Robert Thomson just seven minutes after he came on the park as a substitute in a Dundee Midlands AFA match in the city’s Dawson Park.
Stewart was turning out for Tayside Fire Brigade AFC despite never having been in the fire service against Broughty United in a 5-4 victory for the “Firies”.
He even scored a header during his seven-minute appearance before launching the attack on his opponent.
Dundee Sheriff Court was told there had twice been “jostling for position” at corners involving Stewart and Mr Thomson.
His lawyer claimed “elbows” had been involved with Stewart then becoming angry and punching his opponent.
Depute fiscal Kirsten Thomson told the court: “Police attended and saw Mr Thomson sitting beside the pitch with a cut to his head.
“He was taken to Ninewells Hospital for treatment and was later discharged.”
Stewart, 27, of Ballantrae Road, Dundee, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault to injury.
Paul Parker Smith, defending, said: “There were two incidents on the pitch.
“At a corner there was jostling for position that resulted in an argument between them and the intervention of the referee.
“There was a further incident where they were jostling for position again and his perception is that the other player was being unduly physical, using his elbows to get position.
“He lost his temper and he accepts that.”
Sheriff Janys Scott QC fined Stewart £670.
She said: “This is your fourth conviction for assault to injury in the last 10 years.
“This was a blow to the head and that is dangerous.”