WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley has launched an attack on a section of the club’s fans after they verbally abused him and his players.

Heeley claims a small minority of supporters directed a foul-mouthed tirade at the team and coaching staff during and after Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup second qualifying round defeat at minnows Godalming Town.

According to the City boss, fans were cheering Godalming on to score more goals and also singling out players such as midfield duo Kevin O’Connor and Rob Elvins for personal abuse.

Things boiled over following the final whistle as Heeley clashed with supporters amid ugly scenes on the sidelines.

However, he insists he was provoked and has received the backing of City’s board of directors, who say they will ban anyone caught using abusive language from St George’s Lane.

The City manager said: “From the 12th minute of the game I heard a small section of our supporters, who are not regular fans, willing our opponents to go and score more goals against us.

“There were also personal insults towards my players and myself for the rest of the game.

“People might say they have a right to an opinion, and they are, but nobody has a right to personally abuse somebody with the language that was used on Saturday.

“I feel embarrassed and ashamed of our performance and there isn’t anybody who hurts more because, rightly or wrongly, I feel responsible.

“I intended to do the honourable thing and apologise (to the fans) which I did extremely calmly but there were two of three who it wasn’t good enough for and they continued to abuse me.

“The worst swear word you can use against somebody was used and I had had enough. I am only a human being and have a tolerance level and it was more than I was going to take. The sooner they leave the club the better.

“I am in full support of Kevin O’Connor and Rob Elvins and anyone else who had a go back because the levels of provocation were over the top.”

City Supporters’ Club vice-chairman Keith Chambers, who claimed none of those who travelled on their bus were involved, said: “We understand how passionate Carl is but he has to understand the fans are passionate.

“We have had decades of disappointment and this was a chance to beat a team in the FA Cup and we were abjectly poor.”

City vice-chairman Colin Layland added: “We are investigating the language used and if it’s felt that if bans need to be put in place, we will have no hesitation in doing that.”