Footballer Admits Killing Rival

Darren Forwood pleads guilty to manslaughter

An amateur footballer from west London has admitted killing a rival Sunday league player with a single punch during a post-match brawl.

Darren Forwood, 21, of Frays Avenue, West Drayton, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Old Bailey.

Stephen Ritchie, 43, of Brentford, west London, died on 30 November when a fight broke out after a game in Harlington, Bedfordshire.

Forwood, who played for Kingshill Town, will be sentenced on 3 July.

Mr Ritchie's team, Old Greenfordians, had won the game 4-3 when the scrap broke out.

He suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene.

Brandon Thompson, 20, Forwood's teammate in District Sunday Football League Division One, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Thompson, of Widmore Road, Uxbridge, West London, will stand trial on 10 August.

With thanks to BBC.

June 8, 2009