A Winchester City footballer is recovering after being punched in the face during a fracas on the pitch.

Skipper Lloyd Webber was taken to hospital with serious facial injuries after being hit in the mouth as tempers flared during a league clash at Wimborne Town.

The trouble started when City defender Toby Redwood was sent off for violent conduct on an opposition player.

The incident sparked pushing and shoving on the pitch during which time Webber was struck in the face.

The player was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he received treatment for concussion and stitches to his top lip.

Winchester manager Neil Hards said: "Lloyd's face is like a balloon. He had six stitches in his top lip where his teeth went through it and I'd imagine his dental bill is going to run into hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

Wimborne manager Paul Arnold would not comment until his club had held an internal investigation.

The Hampshire Football Association is now investigating the incident after a report was submitted by match referee Tim Paul.