A 15-year-old footballer was allegedly head-butted by a 44-year-old spectator while playing in a youth match, police said today.Officers were called to the under-16 game at Braintree, Essex, on Sunday after a complaint that a player had been attacked by a supporter of the rival team, a spokesman said.

By Roddy Ashworth

A 15-year-old footballer was allegedly head-butted by a 44-year-old spectator while playing in a youth match, police said today.

Officers were called to the under-16 game at Braintree, Essex, on Sunday after a complaint that a player had been attacked by a supporter of the rival team, a spokesman said.

The man being investigated comes from Colchester, Essex, and is thought to be the parent of another player.

Police said he had been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail without charge pending further investigation until April 3.

A spokeswoman said the boy allegedly attacked was playing for Braintree side Great Bradfords against Colchester side Stanway Villa at Alec Hunter High School in a Colchester and District Football League under-16s match.