WORCESTER and District Football League chiefs have hit out at an “increasing lack of discipline and respect” from players and launched a crackdown on bad behaviour on and off the pitch.

Players causing problems at matches face being banned from the Sunday league and offending clubs kicked out, officials have warned.

Two match officials have already quit this season after abuse from players, according to referee appointments officer Jeff Widdett.

Worcestershire FA are investigating a management committee member’s claims he was verbally abused by players after a match, says chairman Dave Hodges.

Management committee members will now attend more matches and closely monitor the conduct of teams, says secretary Tim Phillips.

Hodges said: “Members of the management committee watch many games on a Sunday morning and they cannot usually watch a game without somebody giving them a mouthful of verbal abuse.

“The latest incident was when a member of the management committee was verbally abused by players after a game when all he was trying do was to support an official who had just finished refereeing his game.

“I understand a full report has been sent to the WFA and the matter will be dealt with appropriately.”

A Worcester Nursing Sunday Minor Cup tie was abandoned this month after 38 minutes as Warndon Villages refused to continue when 2-0 down at Colletts Green. The result was allowed to stand.

Hodges said: “Many of us on the committee have been involved in football in this league for longer than all those now playing have been alive. We will not allow these players to affect the reputation of the league, which we have always considered to be the best in the county.”

Widdett appealed for players and spectators to “get off the backs of referees, especially the young ones who are the future of the league”.

“Two referees have packed in this season because they’ve had enough of the hassle,” he said.

Hodges said the management committee would take whatever action necessary to punish offending clubs and players.

Phillips warned: “Clubs causing problems will be called in front of the management committee to discuss their behaviour.

“Players bringing the league and the game into disrepute risk having their registrations withdrawn if they can’t behave.

“Teams that continue to flout the ‘Respect’ campaign risk being removed from the league. We are determined to stamp out this bad behaviour and not let a minority spoil the enjoyment of those who want to play the game properly.”