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Goalkeeper thumped safety steward
A PROFESSIONAL footballer from Thornton is considering an appeal after he was found guilty of assaulting a steward.
Morecambe FC's reserve keeper Scott Davies, 21, lashed out at Alison Wingate as Grimsby Town fans stormed the pitch in celebration at making it into the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley last season.
District Judge Daniel Curtis heard the tie at Grimsby's Blundell Park in March last year had been "very emotionally charged", with a great deal at stake for both sides.
Miss Wingate – a steward of 14-years, who was acting as a supervisor on the night – said she had gone to Davies' aid after spotting him collecting his belongings from the goal mouth as the fans rushed across the pitch towards them.
However, as she led him towards the tunnel he became panicked and abusive towards her, before lashing out and hitting her in the temple.
She told the court he used foul language, and had wanted to go back out on to the pitch "to say thank you to the Morecambe fans".
Davies said he had become "scared and frightened" by the fans, and simply wanted to leave the pitch as quickly as possible.
He said: "The fans were up in my face and taunting me. They had just won. I just wanted to get into the tunnel. I felt she was more of a hindrance than a help."
A number of professional players at all levels of the game had submitted letters to the judge vouching for Davies, saying he had worked his way through the ranks of the team and conducted himself with a high level of integrity both on and off the pitch.
He also had no history of violence.
Mr Curtis said he believed Davies had lashed out "recklessly" and the assault had not been malicious.
He said: "It is apparent to me that you are very highly thought of and a promising young professional footballer.
"You assaulted the steward who went to assist you recklessly and in the heat of the moment. It was completely out of character."
Davies was fined 1,030, ordered to pay 200 compensation to Miss Wingate, 400 costs and a 15 Government imposed victim surcharge.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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