A FOOTBALL spectator has been jailed for knocking out a referee during a cup final.

Scott Prew, 23, ran onto the pitch at Pickering Town FC’s Mill Lane ground on March 29 while Eastway Sports, of Scarborough, was playing Goal Sports, of Rudston, in the Scarborough District league trophy final.

He injured referee Bill Pashby’s shoulder and the game had to be abandoned with Goal Sports 2-1 up.

Prew, of Eastfield, Scarborough, was arrested late the same day.

He pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 18 months at York Crown Court.

Mr Pashby has continued to referee and on Saturday oversaw Hunmanby’s 5-3 win over Goal Sports in this year’s league cup.

The teams play in the Scarborough and District Saturday League.