ED BALLS unveiled an aggressive cuts strategy yesterday, as he left an opponent bloodied in the annual football match between Labour and Lobby journalists.

The shadow chancellor was involved in a nasty clash with Northern Echo reporter Rob Merrick as the politicians struggled to overturn a goal deficit at Manchester City’s Etihad complex.

The pair were contesting a 50-50 ball on the edge of the Lobby penalty area when a stray elbow from Balls left a slash under the reporter’s right eye.

Mr Merrick had to leave the pitch for medical treatment as blood covered his shirt, but later returned to be named man-of-the-match.

After the match, Mr Balls said he hoped Mr Merrick had not sustained any lasting damage.

“I was about to score a brilliant goal in the top right hand corner,” he said. “As I steadied myself to shoot, Rob came piling in from behind attempting to nick the ball and came off worst.”

Mr Merrick said: “Ed Balls may have the reputation of being a bruiser, but this time it was a complete accident. He will be hurting more than me – the journalists won 3-1 and he failed to get a shot on target all day.”