A THUG football coach knocked out a rival player’s dad when a kid’s match exploded in violence.
Shaun Barney was at the helm of an under-13’s side when the youngsters started scrapping on the pitch.
Angry parents ran onto the grass in Aberdeen as the game spiralled out of control.
Barney, 37, ended up in the middle of the stramash and lashed out at Andrew Hepburn.
The father was knocked unconscious by a single blow and suffered a cut lip which needed hospital treatment.
Joiner Barney walked from court with community service.
Sheriff Craig Findlater told him: “You should have been setting a positive example for the children you were coaching.
“Instead of the adults defusing the situation you got involved in violence.
“You should have been setting a positive example but instead committed a serious assault.”
The attack happened as Barney’s Kincorth Emirates side took on Peterhead at Spain Park.
When the youngsters ended up at loggerheads that then spilled over onto the sidelines.
Those watching the game kicked off as they protested what they were seeing on the field. Kincorth went on to lose 4-0.
Prosecutor Calum Gordon said: “Following a hard tackle there were fights between players on the pitch.
“Spectators ran onto the pitch. During the disturbance Barney grabbed the jacket of Andrew Hepburn. He punched him to the face.”
Cops were called out to the incident at the Banks of Dee Sports Centre in January last year.
Barney’s lawyer Tony Burgess claimed his client was trying to act as peacemaker.
He said: “He was trying to bring calm. The parents were extremely angry.
“During the course of this, emotions were somewhat heightened. There were a group of people around Mr Barney.
“He panicked, got angry, took hold of the individual and delivered a single punch.
“Once the victim fell Mr Barney simply walked away. Others around him were becoming even more agitated.”
The court was told Barney left before police officers arrived and wasn’t trying to flee.
Mr Burgess revealed his client had turned to drink and drugs after witnessing something shocking weeks before.
But he claimed he has now cleaned up his act and has not been in trouble since.
Mr Burgess added: “It was a situation that spiralled out of control.”
The prosecutor said Barney’s victim had to get his lip stitched and has been left with a small scar.
Barney admitted assaulting him to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
He was given a year to carry out 190 hours of unpaid work.
Kincorth Emirates revealed they had cut all ties with Barney.
A spokesman said: “Shaun is no longer associated with Kincorth Emirates.”
