An English lower league soccer player was jailed for four months today for breaking an opponent's jaw with a punch during an FA Cup match.

Defender James Cotterill, who plays for Conference North team Barrow, assaulted Sean Rigg during Barrow's 3-2 FA Cup first round loss to Bristol Rovers in November.

The incident at Barrow's ground was captured by TV cameras and watched by millions on the BBC's "Match Of The Day" programme.

Cotterill was imprisoned after being convicted of causing grievous bodily harm at Preston Crown Court.

"The offence was reported to us, we've acted accordingly and we have to say that the footballer himself was very cooperative in the way he dealt with us," a Cumbria Police spokesman said.

"He has been contrite throughout for his actions."

Cotterill, who was immediately suspended, was banned by the Football Association from playing soccer at any level until March after being found guilty in December of violent conduct.

"I'm devastated for the lad," Barrow manager Phil Wilson said. "This is a lad whose never done anything wrong in his life, he's made one mistake and he is getting severely punished."