A WORKER punched his colleague after a row sparked by the Euro 2000 England v Germany clash.

Joseph Davies, a Three Counties Showground worker, admitted common assault on Matthew Knight, on Saturday, June 17 this year.

Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates' Court yesterday, told how Davies was drinking with others when the attack took place.

Reading from Mr Knight's statement, Mr Cunningham said there were general comments made about the game being watched on TV, and one of the men said something about a remark that had been made. But Mr Knight paid no attention and went back to watching the game.

"He then describes being hit with a clenched fist two or three times," said Mr Cunningham.

"He was in pain and he went to the toilet to put water on his eye. He went back into the area, but was told to walk away by friends, which he did."

Police then interviewed Davies, of Elgar Avenue, Malvern, who said he had been "wound up" by Mr Knight's comments.

Edward Gaynor-Smith, defending, said Davies had been a man of good character, but he had drunk too much and was tired and hungry after a busy week at work.

"This week the pressure was great and he had worked with Mr Knight and there were a number of problems where he had asked him to carry out tasks but he wasn't co-operative," he said.

"They had a conversation about the England football team and it was following this that he reacted in a way he is ashamed of. It was completely out of character."

He added that Davies, aged 30, disputed hitting him more than once.

Davies was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £55 costs and £70 compensation.