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Footballer expelled from club after allegedly headbutting spectator

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The amateur footballer who allegedly fractured a spectator’s cheekbone during a Jewish Sunday league match has been expelled by his club.

The player concerned is believed to be solicitor Mike Filson, who plays for the South Manchester Sports team.

He is alleged to have headbutted Elliot Landy, a committee member of the Leeds Maccabi club, who was watching from the touchline during a fixture between the two sides last Sunday.

South Manchester chairman Jonny Davis issued a statement on Friday confirming that the club had “invoked its emergency disciplinary powers” in removing the player.

Mr Davis wrote: “The club has expelled forthwith one adult player who has been given 14 days to appeal that decision.”

He added that the Manchester Jewish Soccer League club “wishes to assure all concerned that it will do all in its powers to continue its exemplary record and reputation that it has gained in its 66 years existence.”

Mr Filson and Mr Landy have declined to comment.

The incident is also being investigated by West Yorkshire Police, and by the Manchester County Football Association.

Colin Bridgford, chief executive of Manchester County Football Association, said: “We’re waiting for statements from Leeds Maccabi. As soon as we get them we’ll act on them straight away. If someone committed an offence, we can put an immediate suspension in place because of the physical injuries.”

Leeds Maccabi hopes to send a statement by the end of Friday. Once it has been sent, it is understood that a decision would be expected within 10 days.

The match - which ended 6-0 to Leeds Maccabi - was a repeat of last season’s Tony Cohen Memorial Trophy final, which Leeds also won after Mr Filson was sent off for persistent dissent.

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