Footballer who broke opponent’s leg with ‘kung fu-style tackle’ avoids jail

A footballer who broke an opponent’s leg with a ‘kung fu’-style tackle during a junior soccer match in Co Meath two years ago was spared jail yesterday.

Andrew Duffy, aged 30, of Lanyon Manor, Eglantine Place, Belfast, was convicted in November by a jury of assault causing harm to Mark Bannon, aged 24, Moneymore, Drogheda, Co Louth, at Marshallstown Kilmessan Co Meath, on October 8, 2011.

Duffy was playing for Kilmesan and Mr Bannon was playing for Boyne Valley in a Meath and District League reserve match when Mr Bannon’s leg was broken following a tackle by Duffy.