A Football referee who was punched after showing a player the yellow card has told how the trauma has blighted his life.

Football Association ref Keith Lashmar has given up the game and says his business has been affected because he suffers memory loss following the assault.

Keen footballer Daniel Bailey, 20, admitted assaulting Mr Lashmar during a five-a-side game on June 14, causing actual bodily harm.

Speaking after the case, Mr Lashmar, of Moordown, Bournemouth, who runs his own hygiene company, slammed a court's decision to halve Bailey's original sentence of six months in a young offenders' institution.

The outraged father-of-four said: "After what he did to me he should have got six years. I'm still suffering headaches, nose bleeds and memory loss.

"When my wife turned up at the hospital I didn't even recognise her. I travel all over the country but can't remember where my customers are anymore and my business is suffering.

"I love refereeing but I can't do it any more because of the trauma of the attack and my physical condition."

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how trouble flared during an evening game at Roko five-a-side centre in Kinson.

Prosecutor Simon Foster said 36-year-old Mr Lashmar had woken up in hospital the next morning "feeling as though he had been hit on the head by a sledgehammer".

"He was suffering from concussion and the side of his face was badly bruised and swollen. He spent the day in hospital," Mr Foster added.

The court heard how Bailey, of Keeble Road, Bournemouth, who was playing for Villa Real, had been "wound up" following an argument with Mr Lashmar and punched him in the face before walking off the pitch.

Sean Waters, defending, described Bailey, who works as a storeman, as "a keen footballer who once had trials for Southampton".

He added: "On the day in question he was playing in a very highly charged and competitive game. He was fouled by a member of the other team and pushed that player.

"That was seen by the referee who remonstrated with him and showed him the yellow card.

"He was angry and upset, frustrated that the referee would not listen to his part. He reacted by a single punch. It was a snap reaction and completely inexcusable.

"As a result he has received a lifetime ban from the Football Association and a £258 fine."

Bournemouth magistrates sent Bailey to a young offenders' institution for six months last week but his sentence was halved following an appeal at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Judge Nicholas Haggan QC said: "This was an extremely serious assault on a man who was carrying out a public duty.

"Those who attack referees during the course of football matches may expect to receive substantial terms of imprisonment. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated by the courts."

Hampshire Football Association spokesman Paul Creeden said: "We are delighted with the sentence. Hopefully it will send a clear message out and deter other people from attacking referees."

First published: August 16