ONE of the teams involved in a Flare Recruitment League game last Sunday that was abandoned by the referee after alleged assaults took place, have been suspended from playing by the Football Association.

Police were called to Whitton Sports Centre, Ipswich when referee Brendan Butcher called a premature halt to Brewers Arms’ game against Finningham Flyers.

On an adjoining pitch referee Chris Dale called off a game in the same league between Belstead Exiles and Craven Moorhead after unconnected incidents.

It is believed that Brewers Arms are the club who will have to sit out the new few weeks although the FA is not confirming this.

Police are still making enquiries, with Suffolk FA and Ipswich and District Branch of the Referees’ Association issuing a joint statement in which they said:

“Suffolk Football Association was dismayed to hear of the events that unfolded during and after a Flare Recruitment Ipswich Sunday Football League fixture at Whitton Sports Centre on Sunday morning.

“The behaviours that have been reported to the Association have absolutely no place on the football pitch and we will be working robustly with the FA and the Flare Recruitment League to ensure that those responsible are identified and receive appropriate punishments.

“Following discussions with the FA, an interim suspension order has been placed on a club involved.

“This action has been taken to allow for a full investigation to take place and the disciplinary procedure exhausted.

“It is anticipated that this process will be completed within 28 days.”

Suffolk chief executive Phil Knight called for the football community to come together in an attempt to rid the game of such incidents.

He added: “I have been delighted by the response of the Flare Recruitment League, its member clubs and the local Referees’ Association.

“Their commitment to improving on-the-field behaviour is undoubted and I can assure all parties that Suffolk FA will provide clear leadership in this regard.”

Speaking on behalf of Ipswich and District Branch of the Referees’ Association, Andy Wilding said: “What happened on Sunday morning demonstrates that football cannot be considered immune from the problems that afflict society in general.

“My members are committed to working with the team at Suffolk FA to rid the game of this small, senseless minority.”