FELIXSTOWE & Walton United have defended their reputation after being hit with eight charges arising out of one game.

The charges relate to the Ridgeons League Premier Division match against Hadleigh United at the Goldstar Ground on March 20.

The Seasiders, who had Ben Garnham and Josh Capocci sent off by Colchester-based referee John Magill, lost the fiercely-contested derby 2-1. Seven of the charges have been brought by Suffolk FA and relate to the two players and the management team using improper conduct/bringing the game into disrepute and using insulting words or behaviour.

The eighth charge, brought by the Ridgeons League, relates to having more than the requisite number of officials standing up in the technical area. The club has pleaded guilty to all the charges bar one; Garnham has denied the charge of improper conduct and abusive and/or insulting words.

Club chairman Andy Wilding said: “Felixstowe & Walton United Football Club is a highly-respected member of the Ridgeons League and our Fair Play marks are exemplary.

“The football club has written to both the Eastern Counties League and Suffolk FA apologising for the events that unfolded during and after the match and can only conclude that this very rare occasion was just a bad day at the office.

“A line has been drawn under these events and put behind us and we will ensure that such events are never repeated going forward.”

Secretary Adrian Hakes, who said that there was less committee members than usual in attendance on the night in question, added: “I am personally shocked to say the least. I have been involved with Felixstowe & Walton United FC for many years and have never experienced anything like this.”

Jairo Marin, football services manager at Suffolk FA, said it was unusual for a club playing at Ridgeons League level to be charged with so many offences, but it does sometimes happen.

He said he expected the charges to be heard within the next 14 days.

Summary of the charges

Failure to ensure supporters conduct themselves in an orderly fashion

Assistant manager Rob Charles charged with improper conduct/bringing the game into disrepute

Manager Kevin Witchalls charged with improper conduct/bringing the game into disrepute

Coach Glenn Snell charged with abusive and/or insulting words and or behaviour

Ben Garnham charged with serious foul play

Ben Garnham charged with improper conduct and abusive and/or insulting words

Josh Capocci charged with use of offensive, insulting or abusive language or gesture directed at match officials

Having more than the requisite number of officials standing up in the technical area