An Irish junior soccer player has been awarded over £40,000 after being punched by an opponent during a soccer match in 2008.
Wesley Purdy (30) who played for Newtownpark Celtic and Brendan Doyle who played with Arklow Town clashed while going for the ball, the ball was cleared up the field and as Mr Purdy was running back to his position Mr Doyle punched him from behind fracturing Mr Purdy’s jaw and knocking him unconscious temporarily.
Purdy sustained a fracture of the lower jaw and was out of work for up to five weeks. He also could only take liquids through his teeth for six weeks after having his operation to fix his fractured jaw. Purdy has only played one game since the incident which happened over two years ago.
Mr Justice Lavan awarded Purdy £2,500 for loss of income and £37,500 for his pain and suffering. Lavan also said this type of assault on Purdy was “unfair and cowardly” and it was an assault in which no court likes to receive evidence of.
It’s sure to have a great influence on how Junior players in Ireland behave on the field of play, but I expect more cases like this to go to court before these occurrences stop. It ‘s fair enough if it is an accidental clash but when someone strikes another person off the ball they deserve a jail sentence as well as a fine.
