A victim support group today criticised the decision to allow a soccer player to continue playing semi-professionally while in prison for assault.

Allan Tait, a former Crawley Town striker, was jailed for two years after he smashed a lager bottle in another man's face during a dance floor bust-up in East Grinstead.

For the last two months he has been playing for Deal Town, in Kent, while at Dover Young Offenders Institution. He has scored 17 goals in 16 games and has been watched by scouts from Premiership club Fulham.

Tait is due to be released on licence this week and has signed an 18-month contract with Deal Town.

Clive Elliot, director of national charity the Victims of Crime Trust, said it was wrong Tait had been allowed to pursue his career options while serving time for a drunken assault.

He added: "It's a terrible insult for any victim to have to read or hear about.

"I really believe the Prison Service should have asked the victim for his views before allowing this offender to continue playing football while in prison. It's wrong to put the perpetrator's future before that of the victim's."

Tait, who joined Crawley after being released from a contract with Spurs, intervened in an argument at East Grinstead Hockey Club in October 1999 between his friend and a friend of the victim.

He struck Nicholas Beckingham in the face with a bottle, leaving him scarred for life.

Tait, of Colchester Vale, Forest Row, was convicted of unlawful wounding following a three-day trial at Hove Crown Court in March last year.

Colin Adams, secretary of Deal Town FC, defended the club decision to invite Tait to play for the team.

He said: "Most offenders are released out into the community once a week towards the end of their sentence. He's not been paid for his services and the club were happy to take him on. It benefits him and it benefits the club.

"He seems a very mild-mannered lad. He's not been booked once and never gets into any trouble on the pitch. Most people who watch him can't believe he's ever got into trouble.."

Simon Bryant, manager of Deal Town, added: "Just let the lad get on with his life. He's served his time and paid his debt to society."

A spokeswoman for the Prison Service said: "We have a role in helping prisoners gain the skills they need to return to the community."