POLICE are investigating allegations that a young footballer was punched by a rival manager during a match in Bradford.

Kieron Batey, 20, suffered a split eyebrow in the incident, which happened during a pre-season cup tournament game between Bradford Sunday Alliance teams Olympic FC and Toller FC, at Thornton recreation centre last night.

Toller FC manager Akif Khan yesterday admitted hitting the Olympic winger in a “moment of madness” but said he was acting in self-defence.

Mujahid Malik, manager of Olympic FC, said the incident happened 20 minutes into the game after Mr Batey was fouled.

Mr Malik claimed Mr Khan ran on to the pitch and punched his player in the face. He said the referee abandoned the game. Mr Malik then took Mr Batey home, and the player’s mother called the police.

He called for Toller FC to be expelled from the league.

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“What happened was completely wrong,” said Mr Malik. “We won’t play against them again. I couldn’t guarantee the security of my players.”

But Mr Khan insisted he had not run on to the pitch. He said Mr Batey went to the touchline and swore at him.

He said: “He charged towards me with his fists up. I thought he was going to hit me and I acted in self-defence.

“It was out of character and I regret it. But there are two sides to the story. There were scuffles all game, it was very bad-tempered, on both sides.

“I have never been in trouble with the police. I am 28, I am married with two kids and I have got a business. But the damage is done.”

Mr Khan said his team had been attacked with golf sticks by another team last season.

A spokesman for the Bradford Summer Cup said Toller FC would now be kicked out of the tournament.

He added: “The referee will make a report, which will be sent to the Football Association.

“It is a pre-season tournament which we have run since 2009 and we have never had any incidents like this before.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police were called to a report of an assault which had occurred during a football match at the Thornton Recreation Centre in Leaventhorpe Lane.

“The caller mentioned the injured party, a 20-year-old man, had suffered an eye injury and he was taking him to hospital for treatment.

“An appointment has been made for police to speak to the caller and the injured man this weekend so further inquiries can be made into this matter.”