Mum sidelined by headbutt at under-15s football match

A WOMAN has spoken of her shock after she and her daughter were attacked by a touchline mum at an under-15s Sunday league game.

Heather Clarke was headbutted in the face after an altercation with another woman during the John McConnell Cup fixture between Edinburgh City and Inch Colts on Sunday at Double Hedges Park, Liberton.

Kim Johnston, 17, the daughter of Ms Clarke, the Edinburgh City secretary, was also punched by the attacker.

Today Ms Clarke told the Evening News: "She just strode up to me and ploughed her head into my face."

The match was abandoned towards the end of the second half and police called as parents and officials held each other back following the attack. One player and a coach had been sent off prior to the incident.

Police have so far made no arrest, but are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Details of the confrontation emerged the day after First Minister Alex Salmond hosted a summit in Edinburgh following last week's Old Firm violence.

Ms Clarke, who has been involved with Edinburgh City FC for seven years and whose son Scott plays on the team, is now recovering at her home in Carrick Knowe.

The pharmacy worker said: "It was about ten minutes before the end and we had scored a fourth goal. My friend said that there was a woman who was staring at me.

"That was the first I'd ever seen of her. I didn't hear but my friend said she'd shouted some awful insults. She started walking around the pitch and as she approached I said 'oh god, I think she's coming for me'. She shouted something like 'what is it you've got to say for yourself mouthy, because I'm going to shut you up'.

"She came up and put her head against my face, drew it back, and ploughed it straight into my face."

One spectator, who is a supporter of neither side, said: "This woman squared up to Heather, drew her head back and went boosh right in her nose. Her nose was burst open.

"Heather had been overdoing it with the goal celebration, but just supporting her own. I didn't see any abuse."

A tearful Ms Clarke added: "We're not blaming the other side at all. It's just this woman."

Last month the Evening News told how Broughton player-manager Jason McCrindle, 32, spat on Tollcross Thistle forward Lee Heinemeir during a bitter cup tie.