A FOOTBALL coach who allegedly headbutted his counterpart at a children’s football match is due to stand trial.

Aaron Cooper, who is currently suspended from coaching, is facing one count of assault in connection with an incident at Fryer Field Recreation Ground, Ferndown, in March last year.

Police were called to a match between Cooper’s team, Poole Town Youth FC Under 13s, and Grange Athletic FC Under 13s following reports of an “altercation between three men”.

It is believed that a row broke out between the coaches following a controversial penalty decision in the closing minutes of the game. One of the men sustained minor head injuries and required hospital treatment following the incident.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said Aaron Cooper had been issued with a summons and would face one charge of causing actual bodily harm.

The 33-year-old from Poole has been suspended from coaching since the alleged assault on Sunday, March 16. Jon Fancy, disciplinary co-ordinator at Dorset Football Association, said: “Aaron Cooper has been suspended since the incident and will remain suspended until the police have finished with the matter.”

Mr Fancy said once criminal proceedings are complete the FA will complete its own investigation.

He added: “This is a very rare incident and it is something that we would certainly not expect to see at a children’s football match.”

Cooper is due to stand trial at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, February 23.