Rotherham suspend ex-Leeds United footballer Simon Lenighan after he headbutted woman

The former Harrogate Town and Leeds United footballer pleaded guilty to assault at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He was spared jail but was sentenced to a community order for 12 months, including 150 hours of unpaid work.

Lenighan signed for Rotherham last week after a spell at Evo-Stik Northern League club Frickley Athletic.

A Millers statement said: “The club can announce that, following recent reported events in the press and having spoken with the player concerned, it has decided to suspend Simon Lenighan pending an investigation into the matter.

“The club hopes to finalise its investigation in a speedy manner and will make further comment as and when appropriate to do so.”

Lenighan, a former youth team captain at Leeds United, made 21 appearance for Harrogate Town last season but was released in May.