Barrow defender James Cotterill has been charged with grevious bodily harm for allegedly fracturing the jaw of Bristol Rovers striker Sean Rigg during an FA Cup first round clash. Cotterill is accused of punching Rigg in an off-the-ball incident which was missed by the referee but caught by BBC Match of the Day cameras.
A statement issued by Cumbria Police read: "As a result of an incident in the recent FA Cup tie at Holker Street, James Cotterill, a player of Barrow AFC, has been interviewed and subsequently charged with causing GBH to Sean Rigg, a player from Bristol Rovers Football Club. This follows extensive enquiries and consultation with the various football authorities and the Crown Prosecution Service."
Ben Thatcher can consider himself a lucky boy.
[Rob Parker]