WORCESTER City has enlisted the help of a refereeing assessor and the county FA in a bid to clamp down on recent disciplinary issues.

Joint-boss John Snape met with City directors on the back of three red cards in as many matches last month and a social media exchange between captain Brad Birch and Tyler Weir that divided opinion among supporters.

Snape revealed Birch had been “substantially fined” by the club for the use of inappropriate language but refuted talk of a rift between the duo. Weir has not been punished because he was a Hednesford Town player at the time.

There were calls for Birch to be stripped of the captaincy or sacked but on the back of meeting with both players, Snape vowed to support them with backing from City’s board.

Snape also offered fans with concerns the opportunity to speak with him at Saturday’s home match with Haughmond (3pm).

“I have spoken to the chairman and members of the board and they were quite happy with how we dealt with it,” said Snape.

“We shared the opinion that this is not a reason to remove Brad from the club.

“We spoke about concerns over discipline and the board informed me about the substantial fines that people will incur if problems crop up in the future.

“I have spoken to a local (refereeing) assessor who has agreed to come to do a talk so the players are clear on all the rules and how different things can be perceived.

“We have also been in touch with the Worcestershire FA about the possibility of the lads doing a diversity course so they know what is required when using social media.

“Brad has been substantially fined but he is not going to be flogged or hung, drawn and quartered. He is remorseful and someone we will be working with.

“It was a mistake. What was said has been taken out of context in terms of the relationship between the two players who have always been and remain good friends.

“If there are any supporters who are still upset about the club’s stance, I am more than happy to speak to them on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, City could be short of striking options at the weekend with Mark Danks suffering from a thigh strain.

Fellow poacher Dave Reynolds misses out due to a one-match suspension for picking up five bookings but Josh Sarmento should be available following an illness with Jamie Smith also in contention.