THREE footballers could be slapped with lengthy bans after alleged abusive behaviour led a Worcester Sunday league match to be abandoned at half-time.

Prince of Wales and hosts St Johns went head-to-head in a crucial clash in the McDonald’s Worcester and District League Division One promotion race last weekend.

But the referee, listed as Lewis Mansfield-King on the league website, called off the fixture behind the Henwick Road-based YMCA at the end of the first half after allegedly receiving abuse from players.

Worcestershire Football Association has charged three unnamed players with improper conduct and one faces a possible 12-match ban for threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour against the referee.

His minimum sanction is a six-game suspension which one of his team-mates also faces if proven to have abused the match official who brandished two red cards and issued a caution in the opening 45 minutes.

The other player in question could be banned for 10 matches for violent conduct and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour during the match.

It is believed Warndon-based Prince of Wales, who are four points clear of third-placed St Johns at the top of the table, are the club in trouble with authorities.

And they have now been given seven days to respond to the charges on behalf of the players.

Ollie Williams, referee and discipline manager at Worcestershire FA, said: “We can confirm the abandonment of a Worcester and District League match on Sunday, January 28.

“One caution and two red cards have been processed by Worcestershire FA.

“Additionally, three misconduct charges have been raised against individuals.

“Firstly, a charge of E3(e) — improper conduct against a match official (including threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour) which, if accepted or found proven, has a minimum sanction of 56 days/six match suspension and a £50 fine.

“Whilst this is a minimum sanction, the recommended sanction for this charge, if accepted or found proven, is 112 days/12 matches and a fine up to £100.

“Secondly, a charge of E3(h) — improper conduct (including violent conduct and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour) which, if accepted or found proven, has a recommended sanction of a one-10 match suspension and a £20-£125 fine.

“Finally, a charge of E3(c) — improper conduct against a match official (including abusive language/behaviour) which, if accepted or found proven, has a recommended sanction of a 0-6 match suspension and a £0-£70 fine.

“The club has seven days to respond to these charges on behalf of the individuals.

“Worcestershire FA actively promotes positive behaviour within the FA Respect Codes of Conduct and supports clubs, leagues and match officials in dealing with cases where these codes are not adhered to.

“We will be making no further comment at this stage.”

The Worcester News contacted Mansfield-King and Prince of Wales secretary Laura Bryant but neither responded before we went to press.

St Johns secretary Ryan Edwards refused to comment.