FOOTBALL fan Michael Sparks knocked-out a rival football player in a Melksham supermarket.

Self-employed builder Sparks, 40, punched Phillip Holmes in the mouth in Kwik Save supermarket less than an hour after a pre-season friendly between Melksham Town and Welsh team Afan Lido.

Mr Holmes was sent flying into shelves by the blow and needed hospital treatment for his injuries.

The whole incident was caught on store surveillance cameras.

Sparks had been at a pre-season friendly between Melksham Town and Port Talbot-based Afan Lido on July 27.

Sparks repeatedly goaded the player before following him into Kwik Save and punching him in the face.

Prosecutor Rhys Davies said: "The force of the punch was so great that it knocked Phil off his feet and caused him to fall backwards in to the displays."

Mr Holmes' head then struck the floor and he lay motionless.

Defence solicitor Tim Hammick said there was a degree of provocation leading up to the punch.

Dozens of people sent letters of support for Sparks of Longford Road, Melksham, who teaches canoeing at the Adventure Centre and has played for Melksham football and rugby teams.

The 40-year-old admitted causing actual bodily harm at the magistrates' court hearing in Trowbridge on Thursday. Magistrates told him to pay £280 compensation to the football player, a £100 fine and £55 court costs.