A 24-YEAR-OLD fireman attacked an old football adversary after an all-day drinking session, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard Daniel Edward Gorton tried to punch his victim, but missed, and then rugby tackled him to the floor.

Sean Hughes, who was due to return to America to continue a soccer scholarship, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the attack and needed a general anaesthetic before it could be manoeuvred back into place.

Gorton, of White Ash Lane, Oswaldtwistle, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 compensation and £60 costs.

Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, said the incident happened in the Cabin End pub, Windsor Road, on January 12.

Mr Hughes was with family and friends having a farewell drink before returning to America.

Gorton was in the pub as the friend of another man returning to the same college, and the two knew each other from when they played soccer for opposing local teams.

Mr Hughes was talking to his father at the bar when Gorton started making comments to the older man, and became abusive.

Mrs Chappell said: "Mr Hughes told him to calm down and Gorton's response was to throw a punch at him. That missed and he then rugby tackled him to the floor, dislocating his shoulder."

When interviewed by police, Gorton said he had been in the pub since 3pm and had drunk eight or nine cans of cider and a number of Aftershocks.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said: "My client accepts throwing a punch, which did not connect because he was drunk, and then rugby tackled Mr Hughes.

"The dislocation was an unfortunate consequence, but not something he intended to happen."

Gorton is based at Blackpool fire station.

His bosses confirmed an internal investigation will now take place following his criminal conviction.