A footballer who was once jailed for attempted murder could be banned from the sport for life after he allegedly attacked an opposing player in the changing rooms.

Lewes FC striker Chamal Fenelon is accused of pushing Wick FC’s Chris Clark into a wall minutes after having been sent off for dissent.

The incident is said to have happened towards the end of Lewes’s 5-1 victory over Wick FC at Crabtree Park, Wick, on Wednesday, during the Sussex Senior Cup match.

Clark was taken by ambulance to Worthing General Hospital, where he received stitches to his eye. He will miss Wick’s next two games.

Police were called to the ground at 9.46pm and are investigating but Clark has said he does not want to press charges.

The FA is considering whether to issue a life ban to 25-year-old Fenelon, who has been suspended by his club. Wick manager and chairman Carl Stabler said the allegations were “deplorable” and there was “no place for such behaviour in football”.

Mr Stabler claimed Fenelon had apologised to Clark and expressed regret for what had happened.

He added: “I have spoken to Chris and he doesn’t want to press charges. He just wants to get on with playing football.”

Fenelon, a father, was released from prison in June 2005 after serving four years and eight months for attempted murder after a brawl in Crawley.

In an interview with The Argus in April, he described himself as once being a “big-time Charlie” and said: “I used to show my temper but now I am the first person to walk the other way if someone wants to sort me out. I don’t want to get involved.”

Lewes chairman Terry Parris said: “It would be unacceptable behaviour for a player who is contracted and represents the club.

“I have yet to discuss with the manager what the player’s future is.

“We will make a decision on the player’s future based on the FA and police reports. But we will come down very heavily on any player who steps out of line. I can only apologise to Wick, the player and his family.”

Ken Benham, chief executive of Sussex County FA, said: “All the reports have been forwarded to the FA. They will take action as and when they decide.”