A REFEREE who was headbutted during a match is trying to sue the former player’s club.

Ronnie Chambers sustained a bloody nose after being attacked by goalkeeper Liam Johnson during a Sunday League game in Hartlepool in August.

Johnson, 25, who played for Welfare Athletic, pleaded guilty in court for assault and was banned for life by the Durham FA.

Now Ronnie Chambers, of Blackhall, near Peterlee, is attempting to sue Welfare Athletic. The Northern Echo understands he has cited loss of earnings but also says the incident has affected his quality of life and his sense of smell was temporarily damaged.

Mr Chambers, who is in his 40s and works at a Jobcentre, said he could not go into too much detail about the claim but revealed he had only refereed three more games after the attack.

He said: “I’m not as happy as I was. I did go back but I had a delayed reaction.

"I used to go walking in the Yorkshire Dales and thought I’d do that, but I’ve just gone to the pub on my Sundays so far.

"I’ve fallen out of love of football. It’s gone the wall, morally. Just look at what happened at Sheffield Wednesday where the lad attacked the goalkeeper. I am looking for witnesses who can help my case.”

Mr Chambers’ solicitor based at Russell, Jones and Walker in Newcastle confirmed the claim had been made but said she was not able to go in further details last night.

A spokesman for Welfare Athletic the club was unable to comment.

However, John Cooper, secretary of the Hartlepool Sunday Morning League, confirmed he had seen the solicitor's letter.

He said: “The club has public liability insurance through the Durham FA. We’ve passed it on to them.”

No-one could be contacted at the Durham FA last night.

Johnson, 25, was given a 12-month community order at Hartlepool Magistrates Court in September and told to work 80 hours unpaid, pay £150 compensation to Mr Chambers and £85 court costs.

Referees at the Sunday morning league are paid £20 a game plus expenses.