A HEREFORD FC star assaulted a police officer following a night out with friends, a court heard.

Michael McGrath, 31, was arrested outside Play Nightclub – hours after his team's 3-2 victory against Wantage Town.

Amy Davies, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court last Thursday, said McGrath was removed by door staff at 1am because of his behaviour.

The midfielder was told by police to leave the vicinity immediately and given a section 35 order, preventing him from returning to the area while CCTV control operators were informed.

But an hour later McGrath returned and CCTV operators informed police that he was remonstrating with the door staff.

He was, the court heard, arrested for breaching the order.

"McGrath pulled away from officers and attempted to run away," said Mrs Davies.

"He was restrained on the floor and displayed active resistance by putting his hands under his body to prevent them being handcuffed.

"He was eventually hand cuffed and restrained on the floor while waiting for a police van in the area.

"He was verbally abusive and further resisted the officers. The defendant pulled his arm forwards and managed to grab an officer's hand digging his finger nails in and causing pain.

"The officer had to punch McGrath in his torso in order for him to release his grip."

PC Dumbrell said the defendant's finger nails broke his skin and drew blood during the assault.

Emily Gourley, defending, said McGrath and his friends were allowed into a certain area in the club which is reserved for parties.

"When going in and out of the area McGrath was stopped by a bouncer," said Mrs Gourley.

"McGrath tried to explain that he was with the group and the bouncer became aggressive with him. He informs me that the bouncer assaulted him and he was forced out.

"He has shown me pictures of his injuries which included a black eye and marks around the face. Police were outside and McGrath was angry and frustrated but doesn't remember being given the order to leave by police.

"He left immediately to return to the local hotel but instead of staying there he realised his watch was missing, which was a fifth year anniversary present from his wife.

"It meant a lot to him so thought he would go back to the nightclub.

"While speaking to the bouncer and asking for help to find his watch, police attended. He had no knowledge of the order and became frustrated as he believed they could help him.

"Police became frustrated that he had ignored their order. He was arrested and put to the floor and simply doesn't remember the rest but remembers being put into a police van.

"He spoke to the custody officer who because of McGrath's head injuries wouldn't allow him to leave until he had seen a doctor.

"He didn't leave until 5pm that night and he wasn't interviewed. This was out of character and he is embarrassed to be here today."

Magistrates ordered McGrath, of Woodcock Lane, Birmingham, to pay £130 for assaulting a police officer, £50 for resisting arrest, and £30 for failing to comply with an order and £25 compensation to the injured police officer, after he admitted all three charges.

McGrath was also told to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £135 in costs.