A footballer faces jail after admitting driving his car onto the pitch and at the referee after being sent off.Joseph Rimmer was red carded by referee David Harkness for a ferocious tackle while playing for Lonsdale against Harrington in the Southport and District Sunday League on Valentine's Day.
The 28-year-old was furious at being dismissed, and stormed off the pitch - then stunned players and supporters by jumping into his car and driving back onto the field of play.
RImmer admitted driving his car at Harkness on the council-run pitches in Southport, forcing the referee to dive out of the way at the last minute to avoid being run over.
Defence lawyer Philip Tully told Liverpool Crown Court that his client saw red and was trying to have the match called off.
"He drove on to the pitch in an attempt to get the match abandoned," said Tully.
"He accepts he drove towards the referee and his comments and threats to the referee when he got out the car amount to affray.
"He understands this is a serious matter. What happened was highly unpleasant for Mr Harkness."
Judge Adrian Lyon bailed Rimmer - who has no previous convictions - pending sentencing on condition that he stay away from local league football matches and Mr Harkness.
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