A footballer who broke the jaw of an opposition player has been ordered to pay him £1,000 in compensation.

Daniel Puzey, 25, hit rival captain Ashley Thompson during a heated Hertfordshire Senior League match two years ago.

He and his brother Jason were playing for Radlett side Belstone FC against Ware, St Albans Crown Court heard on Friday.

In the last minute of the match, Jason put in a hard tackle on Mr Thompson, who went to ground. Words were then exchanged between the two players.

Daniel Puzey, of Stockford Avenue, Barnet, then ran over and hit Mr Thompson on the side of the face, breaking his jaw.

Prosecutor Edward Hollingsworth said there was no reason for the punch to be thrown, adding that the victim had to claim £960 in compensation for loss of income as a result of the injury.

Puzey appeared for sentencing having been convicted for inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Thompson during the match, which took place in October 2015.

Alex Britton, defending, said Puzey was of previous good character and worked with children with special needs. He handed the judge a positive reference from his employers.

He said: "It was an isolated incident. He has shown a genuine expression of remorse."

Mr Britton asked the judge to pass a community order.

Recorder Robin Allen QC agreed, ordering him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, pay £1,000 compensation plus £250 prosecution costs.

He told him: "You behaved rashly and badly and caused a lot of trouble.

"You have got a choice: you can use your fists and get into trouble or you can learn from this. Don't ever react in this way."