YOUNGSTERS from Lyppard Rangers FC were "reduced to tears" after being booted out of an under 12s competition after refusing to play on a "glass-ridden pitch", according to a parent.

Attempts were made to sweep up the shards but angry parent Jim Staunton said the team, who faced Suffolk Rangers away, at Archdale's sports ground in Blackpole, Worcester, still felt it unsafe.

"I'd walked round the pitch, there was glass everywhere, near the corner flags, the goal mouth and the dug-out. It just wasn't on," said Mr Staunton, referring to Sunday's abandoned match.

"I didn't want my son James to play on the pitch, because it just wasn't safe."

Lyppard Rangers refused to play and the opponents were awarded the game, ending their dreams of victory in the Mercia Junior Festival League competition.

Mr Staunton said the complaint had been made to the Mercia Junior Festival league's committee.

But Michael Evans, manager of Suffolk Rangers said the glass had been cleared up and the independent professional referee had ruled the pitch was fit to play on.

Ruling

"You do what the referee says, you don't go over his head," said Mr Evans.

He said the Lyppard Rangers had refused to play despite the referee's ruling.

"Do you think our parents would have let their children play if they didn't think it was safe?

"We would have loved to play. We don't want a bye."

The chairman and secretary of the league, George Silverman, said he couldn't comment until he had received a report from both sides and the referee.

"We are aware that the game wasn't played, and until we receive the reports, we will be keeping an open mind," he said.