Jail for player who hit opponent in game

An English minor league soccer player was jailed for four months yesterday for breaking an opponent's jaw with a punch during an FA Cup match, police said.

James Cotterill, who plays for Conference North team Barrow, is thought to be the first player in recent times to be jailed for on-pitch violence during a senior game in England.

The defender assaulted Sean Rigg during Barrow's 3-2 FA Cup first round loss to fourth division Bristol Rovers in November.

The incident at Barrow's ground was captured by TV cameras and watched by millions on the BBC's "Match Of The Day" programme which broadcasts highlights of the cup matches.

Cotterill was imprisoned after being convicted of causing grievous bodily harm at Preston Crown Court.

Cotterill, who was immediately suspended, was banned by the FA from playing soccer at any level until March after being found guilty in December of violent conduct.

"I'm devastated for the lad," Barrow manager Phil Wilson told the North-West Evening Mail newspaper. "This is a lad who has never done anything wrong in his life, he's made one mistake and he is getting severely punished."