POLICE have issued a caution against a non-league assistant football manager over claims he punched a rival manager in the face after a match.

Officers were called to Durham City Football Club’s New Ferens Park on Saturday, February 28, after the match with Whitley Bay Football Club.

Paddy Atkinson, the Whitley Bay manager, claims he was attacked by Brian Rowe, assistant manager of Durham City, at around 5pm after the game.

Mr Atkinson claims he was punched him in the Whitley Bay dressing room as the two argued over shaking hands after the game.

He suffered minor injuries to his right cheek in the incident after Whitley Bay’s 4-3 victory in the Northern League Division One clash.

A former professional player with several clubs, including Hartlepool United, Mr Atkinson called on the Football Association to take strong sanctions.

Officials at Durham City, where former Newcastle United player Olivier Bernard is chairman, denied Mr Rowe, 43, threw a punch.

Instead they say Mr Rowe went into the Whitley Bay dressing room where he argued with Mr Atkinson.

It was during this argument, Durham City officials say, that Mr Atkinson lowered his head aggressively towards Mr Rowe.

Mr Rowe is then said to have pushed the Whitley Bay manager away before he then left the dressing room.

Durham Police has since confirmed that Mr Rowe was given a police caution because of the incident.