The linesman who was attacked and knocked unconscious by a spectator at an English first division soccer match on Saturday left hospital yesterday. Edward Martin was assaulted while officiating at the game between Portsmouth and Sheffield United and was kept in hospital overnight.

The incident happened after the referee first appeared merely to book Sheffield goalkeeper Simon Tracey, but then changed the card from yellow to red and sent Tracey off when linesman Martin flagged. The Football Association is to launch an inquiry.