This is some serious foul play.
We’re not sure what the usual fare in the English Northern League Division 2 is like but this clip suggests it is a tough place to play.
Heaton Stannington were hosting Birtley and during a pause in play, Birtley’s Mark Brereton hit Paul Blakey of the opposing side with a sickening punch to the face. Make sure you have the sound on to hear the full effect.
The punch was so strong that Blakey’s jaw was subsequently found to be broken, but he managed to stay on his feet, meaning he is one tough fella.
Incredibly, despite the referee being only yards away, Brereton managed to escape sanction as he was substituted immediately.
The aggressor has since apologised for the incident and Blakey has said he doesn’t want to get the police involved. However, Brereton may yet face disciplinary action from his own club.
