A football goalkeeper who punched one opposing fan in the face and attacked another with a metal pole has been sentenced.

Liam Mitchell, aged 30, who was playing for Clifton All Whites at the time, attacked his victims, who were at the match supporting Hucknall Town, during and after an ill-tempered match which his side lost 5-1.

Mitchell spent much of the game with his back to play as he reportedly abused and threatened a section of Yellows supporters behind his goal.

His temper finally boiled over at half time, when he tracked down and assaulted one fan and hit him to the body with a spiked training pole.

After the final whistle he angrily confronted another fan and punched him in the face.

Photo Credit: Tom Surgay

The attack, which was captured by an amateur photographer, left the man with a fractured eye socket and permanent nerve damage.

Mitchell, of Monksway, Clifton, gave 'no comment' answers to police questions about the incident, which happened in Farnborough Road, Clifton, on the evening of Tuesday 26 October last year.

He later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (20 September) he was handed an eight-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months.

Detective Sergeant James Hirst, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This was an appalling display of violence that has absolutely no place anywhere in society – let alone at a football match.

"Mitchell had ample time to calm down and reflect on his already appalling behaviour during the game but chose instead to seek out and violently assault two fans.

"His behaviour was utterly unacceptable and he has rightly been punished for it."