A TORQUAY United supporter has been banned from the club for life after attacking Chester defender Paul Linwood after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Plainmoor.
Linwood was struck by a corner flag wielded by a man who was then taken to Torquay police station and issued with an £80 fixed penalty fine.
The Chester defender was not seriously hurt but he suffered minor facial injuries.
Blues manager Mark Wright said: 'My advice to Linny was to drop it because of the man's age. You've got to have respect for the elderly but that's no excuse for him to be doing that. If it had been a younger man who had hit Linny, I think Linny would have decked him.'
Linwood was struck by the un-named fan - seemingly incensed at the Gulls conceding a last-minute goal - as he headed for the players' tunnel.
The Football Association will now stage an inquiry into the incident and there could be repercussions for Torquay.
Gulls chairman Mike Bateson said: 'The supporter has apologised unreservedly, and we must thank the Chester City player and management for not pressing charges against him.'
