The manager of a local football team wept in the dock after being cleared by a jury of attacking a linesman during a match.
Joshua Dixon, 23, accepted he had punched 57-year-old Jim Hawkes unconscious but said it was in self-defence, fearing he was about to be assaulted.
The jury accepted his account and, as the not guilty verdict was announced, his father leapt to his feet saying "Yes, come on."
The incident happened following an unpopular offside ruling by Mr Hawkes, against Mr Dixon's team, Phoenix United, who were playing at home against Oadby Owls, in a Leicester Sunday Alliance League match, on March 15 last year.
Mr Dixon's barrister, John Hallissey said after the hearing: "He has maintained from the outset that he was innocent of this charge.
"He's delighted the jury have reached the verdict they have and all he wants to do is put it behind him and get on with his life."
Mr Dixon said: "It's been a year of hell.
"I just want to move on."
His father, Andrew Dixon said: "We're very very pleased with this verdict.
"He's a good lad; he's never been in trouble before."
The Leicester Crown Court jury of 11 (one was discharged during the case) consisted of nine women and two men, who deliberated for five hours and 23 minutes.
During the trial the court heard that Mr Hawkes was knocked out with a single blow from the defendant, causing a sore jaw.
Mr Dixon, of Woodbank Glen Parva, told the jury that Mr Hawkes dropped his flag before making the controversial decision, in the second half.
It resulted in shouting and swearing from some Phoenix Utd players and supporters, who accused Mr Hawkes of being a ******* cheat.
Each team provided a linesman for the game and Mr Hawke's was there on behalf of the Oadby Owls.
The match was held at the Kingfisher Youth Centre, Saffron Lane, Leicester.
Mr Dixon told the jury his father confronted Mr Hawkes about his swearing after play resumed and "they puffed their chests out."
He claimed that Mr Hawkes' son Richard, who played for Oadby, ran off the pitch and punched his (Dixon's) father on the head.
The defendant added: "It sparked a fight of around 30 people; players and supporters from both sides."
Mr Dixon claimed that Mr Hawkes - an assistant referee for 13 years – then tried to influence the referee by pointing out Phoenix players who had thrown punches.
He said he went over to speak to the referee to urge him to continue with the match.
Dixon added: "James started threatening me, saying 'I'm going to ******* get you.' "
"I honestly thought he was going to hit me.
"I hit him first.
"I thought I was in danger in that split second.
"I'm not a fighter; I just threw a punch."
The prosecution alleged that Mr Dixon was the main aggressor and struck Mr Hawkes from behind.
Dixon disagreed saying they were face-to-face.
He has a degree in Sports Science and currently works as a behaviour mentor at a primary school, supporting vulnerable and challenging children, as well as coaching football and other after school activities.
Dixon became manager of Phoenix Utd in 2013, during which time the team rose from the third division to the first division.