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dailymail.co.uk reports:

A footballer has become the first in Britain to be sent to prison for a reckless tackle.

Mark Chapman's challenge shattered Terry Johnson's leg in two places and ended his chances of ever playing again.

The 20-year-old Sunday league player was yesterday beginning a six-month jail term after a judge accused him of 'wanton violence'.

The incident came seconds before the final whistle in a Rugby and District Sunday league match in Warwickshire in October, Warwick Crown Court heard.

Chapman's team, Long Lawford, were losing 3-1 to Wheeltappers, and Mr Johnson, 26, playing left-back, was covering the ball as it went out of play.

But to his horror, Chapman, came sliding in from behind with his studs raised.

Mr Johnson said: 'It was like being hit by a train. I heard a snap. Everyone thought it was two shin-pads snapping, but it was my leg.'

Mr Johnson needed reconstructive surgery and had to have a steel rod inserted to hold the bone pieces together.

Surgeons have warned it will take another 18 months to repair the damage.

Chapman - who had been disciplined a number of times for his behaviour on the pitch, although not for violent conduct - was sent off after the referee decided he had deliberately tried to injure his opponent.