FORMER England football international Gary Mabbutt told a civil court the defender who broke a former Bolton Wanderers’ player’s leg had no chance of getting the ball.

Mr Mabbutt, who won 16 England caps and captained Tottenham Hotspur for 11 years, said Marcus Hallows suffered horrendous damage to his leg after another player performed an “uncontrolled lunge” to stop him scoring.

The incident happened in a non-league game between Altrincham FC and Ashton Town in March, 2005.

Mr Mabbutt, who has seen photographs of the incident, told Manchester Civil Justice Centre: “His feet were off the ground and you are not in control of your body when your feet are off the ground. In my opinion, it was an uncontrolled lunge. You would expect a player playing at that level to be making mostly the correct decisions.”

Mr Hallows, who played for Wanderers reserves during the 1995-96 season, suffered an open fracture of his shin in the challenge with Ashton defender Danny White. He is now suing the club and the player for £32,500 in compensation.

Mr Mabbutt now sits on the FA Disciplinary Committee and regularly reviews controversial refereeing decisions in the Premier League using video and photographic evidence.

Former Premier League referee Jeff Winter also appeared as an expert witness.

He told the court: “This particular challenge is common place in football at any level.

“A defender will try to get across the player making the shot — in fact, they are applauded for doing so.”

Mr Winter said the still photographs could not show the speed or force of Mr White’s challenge.

He added: “He is perfectly entitled and expected to attempt to stop the progress of that ball.”

The case was adjourned until Monday.