FORMER Tottenham star Chris Armstrong has avoided jail after he punched a Tesco worker when he was denied cigarettes.
The ex-striker, 50, rampaged through the store kicking over security scanners, a stand of baskets and other items.
He then punched Tesco employee Alex Boatang after causing £2,000 worth of damage to the supermarket in Chelsea, South West London.
Armstrong had flown into a rage when staff informed him the shop was shut and he couldn't buy cigarettes.
The former Premier League ace has now walked free from court after admitting common assault and criminal damage.
He was handed an 18 month community order, 30 rehabilitation days and a six-month alcohol treatment requirement.
Armstrong must also pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £95, which he can pay back at £20 per month.
District Judge Louisa Cieciora said: "In anger, as a result of being refused to purchase cigarettes, you caused an awful lot of damage to the store.
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"You punched a security guard,’ she added, ‘then kicked him’ while he was on the floor.
"I think you used substantial force."
Westminster Magistrates' Court was told Armstrong had forced his way into Tesco in the early hours demanding cigarettes.
When he was told the store was temporarily closed because the staff were taking a break, he became "aggressive".
Mr Boateng attempted to stop Armstrong as he destroyed the shop but was punched in the face "with a closed fist".
The employee was then kicked in the shin after he fell to the floor and was taken to hospital to be checked over.
Police arrested Armstrong shortly after he fled the Tesco, where he had been shopping for 14 years.
'ISOLATION'
His defence team said his "drinking and drug dependence increased" during the pandemic as he suffered "extreme isolation" as he was separated from his family.
Since the incident, the court was told he has stopped taking drugs and reduced his alcohol intake.
The footballer began his career in 1989 with Wrexham before playing for Millwall and Crystal Palace.
He went on to score an 57 goals in 136 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles.
His impressive form secured him a move to Tottenham in 1995 for £4.5million – their most expensive signing at the time.
But Armstrong's injuries meant he played just 173 games during his seven-year spell at Spurs – although he still netted 62 times in total.
The striker was also part of the team that won League Cup final against Leicester in March 1999.
Armstrong became the first Prem player to get a drugs ban in 1995 after testing positive for cannabis.
He was convicted of possessing cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy in 2016.
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