Footballer jailed for horror tackle

Centre forward Mark Chapman, 20, crashed into left back Terry Johnson, 26, smashing his leg in two places and ending his chances of ever playing again. The tackle came seconds before the

final whistle as Chapman’s team Long Lawford were losing 3-1 to Mr Johnson’s Wheeltappers squad. Chapman was sentenced to six months in jail on Wednesday at Warwick Crown Court after

pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. His victim Mr Johnson said: “It’s ruined my life. I will never be able to play football again. As far as I’m concerned he deserved what he

got.” Mr Johnson needed reconstructive surgery and must have a skin graft after the horrific challenge during a Sunday league match in Rugby, Warwickshire. A steel rod was inserted in his

leg to hold the bone together. Since the tackle the electrician has been unable to work and has struggled to support partner Lydia Adams, 24, and their daughters Ruby, four, and Eliza,

three. “It was like being hit by a train,” he recalled. “I remember the sound of stamping coming up behind me and then I felt the pain in my leg. “I heard a snap and everyone thought it was

a shinpad snapping but it was my leg. “The doctors say it could take 18 months to repair.” The court heard how Chapman, of Long Lawford, Rugby, went in studs-first on Mr Johnson during the

match last October. Prosecutor Iain Willis said Chapman had been criticised by his teamates earlier in the match for showing a lack of effort. He added: “The referee said it was a callous,

deliberate act with intent to cause injury to the player.” The court was told Chapman had no previous convictions but had been disciplined a number of times for his behaviour on the pitch,

though never for violent conduct. Judge ­Robert Orme said: “A football match gives no one any excuse to carry out wanton violence. “I accept you showed very early remorse but I have also had

to consider the position of the victim and your very deliberate criminal act.” A Football Association spokesman said: “There have been two cases in the past where people were sent to prison

for other incidents on the pitch but never for a tackle like this.”