A FOOTBALL manager stuck the head into another man during a duel in the dugout.

Michael Denniston, 25, took umbrage at a disparaging comment made by his victim so he retaliated by knocking the complainer's tooth out with his fist and head.

The attack took place at around 2.45pm during a seven-a-sides game in Bellahouston Park.

The complainer was standing in the dugout area when the accused sucker-punched him on the face. Denniston challenged his victim to a "square go" before headbutting him – to which the complainer lost a tooth in the scuffle.

When arrested, the accused admitted to police: "Aye, I only punched him once on the side of the face."

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, Denniston pleaded guilty to assaulting the man by punching and headbutting him on June 26, 2016.

In defence it was claimed that the accused runs Glasgow Heart AFC.

The amateur sports team was initially set up over three years ago to help people get away from the daily struggles in their life – from homelessness and mental health problems to addictions.

The team play in the Scottish Unity League, which was set up with the aim to create a football environment free from all forms of prejudice and discrimination and to bring players together from different backgrounds.

Denniston's lawyer explained that the complainer was known to the accused and had earlier made a derogatory comment. The defence agent stated that Denniston "thought it was a bit rich" and "lost his temper". The incident was over in a matter of seconds.

The accused, of Holmbyre Court, was said to care for his elderly mother.

As a direct alternative to custody, Sheriff Allan Findlay sentenced Denniston to a Community Payback Order with 180 hours of unpaid work to be completed within six months.