Andrew Paul Worthington in court after Buderim Wanderers Soccer Club clash

Tension between two men in their 70s who were watching a soccer match at a Sunshine Coast club has ended in one man headbutting the other and landing in court.

A Buderim dad headbutted a man who called him a “f-----t” after an argument at a local soccer game escalated.

Andrew Paul Worthington, 71, was fined $1000 and ordered to pay $500 compensation to the victim after pleading guilty to serious assault of a person over 60 in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on August 26.

Prosecutor James Allen said on August 2, 2022, Worthington was spectating a soccer match at the Buderim Wanderers Soccer Club alongside a 70-year-old man.

The pair crossed paths in the vicinity of the club house area and the victim spoke to Worthington in relation to his comments about one of the referees which sparked an argument.

Worthington started to walk away before the victim called him a “f-----t” which made him turn around and yell, what did you call me?”.

The victim replied with “a f-----t” and Worthington walked up to him before throwing his head forward, making contact with the victim’s left cheek.

As a result of the attack, the victim felt instant pain and had swelling and bruising, the court heard.

Worthington left the area before police arrived but they spoke to him later that night at his house.

“The defendant stated it was the wrong thing to do and he would apologise to the victim,” Mr Allen told the court.

Defence solicitor Chelsea Emery said the incident was “entirely out of character” for her client, which was supported by an apology letter and a character reference from his wife.

Ms Emery said the father-of-three who was diagnosed with a condition where his body does not produce any testosterone and was put on medication.

“His entire family saw a dramatic change in his personality,” Ms Emery said.

“He said it’s like being a 15-year-old boy again.

“He's gone back to his GP so frightened by his behaviour on this occasion to see if he could stop taking the medication but the GP has told him his health would be compromised.

She told the court Worthington had suffered from depression throughout his life and was seeing a psychologist frequently.

Ms Emery said her client was embarrassed by the incident and had entered an early plea of guilty.

No conviction was recorded.