Steven Tingle, 29, attacked 47-year-old Robert Ferguson as he was being sent off in a game between Flamborough 2nds and North Burton on 20 March.

A jury at Hull Crown Court found him guilty of malicious wounding.

Tingle, of Meadow Road, Bridlington, was also sentenced to a 200-hour community punishment order.

It is a game he loves and plays regularly. It is all gone now perhaps Defence barrister Paul Genney

He was also ordered to pay �250 costs.

Judge David Bentley QC told him: "If there had been any history of violence custody would have been quite impossible to avoid.

"It was a single blow. Although the injuries caused were nasty it was capable of being stitched. I don't minimise the injuries it was plainly a serious incident.

"There can never be any justification for behaving like that."

Mr Ferguson was floored by Tingle's punch and needed eight stitches in his forehead.

'Substantial ban'

Tingle had denied a charge of wounding the FA referee at the Lighthouse ground in Flamborough, claiming he was acting in self defence.

But the jury threw out his claim that Mr Ferguson had squared up to him.

Defence barrister Paul Genney said: "Mr Tingle will be very lucky to play again. It will be a substantial ban - two to three years, possibly even a lifetime ban.

"It is a game he loves and plays regularly. It is all gone now, perhaps."

Speaking after the hearing on Thursday, Tingle said he did not know what further action the FA would take.