FOUL language and abuse from young football players and their parents could result in a severe shortage of referees according to one from Pershore who has resigned.

Les Croy, aged 23 from Church Row says he has been pushed around once too often and now he's resigned from refereeing under 18 matches.

Last Sunday in a match in Pershore between Meadow Park, Bromsgrove and Pershore Town, Mr Croy just managed to escape a punching after a player objected to a red card.

The referee abandoned the match near half time amidst a torrent of abuse from players and parents.

Just before Christmas a similar confrontation occurred when a red card was shown in a match between an Inkberrow and a Fernhill Heath team.

Mr Croy said: "I have been refereeing for three years now on Saturdays and Sundays most weekends, but all the aggravation is too much.

"I don't need it. I know other referees who have also resigned recently, soon there won't be any new young recruits willing to do the job."

He said he would continue to referee for men's football. Mr Croy added: "They are better behaved and there are no parents there to hurl abuse at you."

Parents are also under fire from a member of Evesham Referees' Society. Treasurer, Jerry Curtis said: "The biggest problem we get is from the parents of 16 to 18 year old players.

You hear them shouting and cursing from the sidelines, sometimes urging them to foul.

The young players are very influenced by what they see on the television and think they can act the same, but our referees won't have it."

Worcestershire FA disciplinary secretary, John Lovegrove said following Mr Croy's complaint the player concerned has been suspended until an investigation is complete.

He said: "We will be following FA rules. If the alleged assault is proved then the player faces anything from a 84 day suspension and a fine, to a life ban."

He added: "Matters like these are of great concern to us and Football Association rules on behaviour are far reaching."

There was no one available at Meadow Park for comment before the Journal went to press.