AN amateur footballer was fined £1,000 for attacking an opponent after being sent off.

The case has prompted a judge to tell sportsmen and women they will not escape court punishment if they break the law - on or off the pitch.

The warning was given when Northern League player Tony Healer appeared at Durham Crown Court on an assault charge yesterday.

Recorder John Norris told him: "I hope the message is clear - that those who offend and carry out assaults on the sporting field, or in connection with sport, cannot expect leniency from the courts.

"I don't care if you are playing for Spennymoor, Durham or Manchester United, the fact is you are on parade and you are a role model for youngsters, if no-one else."

Durham City centre forward Healer, 28, punched Spennymoor's Anthony Steven Lee during the second half of a Durham Challenge Cup tie last October.

The court was told the ill-feeling started in the first half of the evening game at Spennymoor's Brewery Field, when Mr Lee accused Healer of diving to win a penalty.

Mr Lee was booked for verbally abusing his opponent, and Healer was also cautioned for an identical offence.

Healer was then sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a dangerous tackle, and Mr Lee was substituted at half-time.

During the second half, the pair exchanged words off the pitch.

Jim Withyman, prosecuting, said Mr Lee told Healer to "leave it", not wanting any further trouble, but as he turned to walk away the City centre forward struck him in the face.

Mr Withyman said Mr Lee momentarily blacked out, and received hospital treatment for mouth cuts and bruising to the jaw.

When interviewed later, Healer told police he acted in self-defence.

But Healer, a company director, of The Hermitage, Chester-le-Street, yesterday admitted common assault and, in addition to the fine, was ordered to pay £500 compensation to Mr Lee and £250 costs.

Geoff Hunter, mitigating, said the incident arose out of the claim Healer had cheated to win the penalty.

Mr Hunter said Healer, who suffered a cut lip in the incident, now admits he "went too far" in the subsequent exchange.

Recorder Norris said: "Mr Lee, from the evidence I have heard, was not totally without blame, but in the main he was entirely the innocent party as far as the assault is concerned."