A footballer who broke an opponent's cheekbone after coming on as a substitute has been bound over to keep the peace.

Christopher Bedford, 27, of Trinity Close, Abingdon, and 33-year-old Ian Carnell, of Queens Park, Aylesbury, were involved in a tackle in the closing minutes of the match.

Aylesbury Crown Court heard that Mr Carnell went to walk away but was suddenly punched to the left side of the face by the defendant, who was sent off.

Bedford was due to stand trial on a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm but he denied the allegation and the prosecution yesterday offered no evidence.

Mr Carnell's legal representatives said their client had been consulted and was happy for the matter to be dealt with in that way.

Robert Spencer-Bernard, prosecuting, said: "Time has done a great deal to heal matters. There was no history of hostility in the match when the defendant came on 20 minutes from the end.

"The incident has always been regarded as one of those tragically spur-of-the-moment reactions."

Judge John Slack said that Bedford had agreed to be the subject of a 12-month order.

He said: "I do not think it is right for me in any sense to interfere if they have agreed to shake hands, effectively, over a sporting incident."

The violence happened when Mr Carnell's team Haddenham played Horspath in a Division One Oxford Senior League match in December 23, 2000.

Bedford has received a 35-game ban by Oxford Football Association and a £27 fine. A not guilty verdict was entered on the grievous bodily harm charge.