A FOOTBALLER suffered a fractured eye socket after being punched during a seven-a-side football match.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jordan Montague was playing at the Accrington Academy when he was punched by Daniel Andrew Briggs who was on the opposite side in the match.

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Briggs, 20, of Game Street, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Montague causing him actual bodily harm. He was committed on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said towards the end of the game there was a tackle which resulted in words being exchanged between the two players.

“The defendant then punched him in the face resulting in a fractured eye socket and nerve damage,” said Miss Allan.