A WYRE Forest football team faces being banned from a rival Worcestershire team's ground after one of its players attacked another and left him needing nine stitches in his face.

Police are investigating the attack, which happened during a cup match between Cookley Social FC and Broadway United FC, and have urged spectators who were at the game on Saturday to contact them.

A police spokesman described the incident at Childswickham Road in Evesham as a "vicious attack", which was "not related directly to the run of play".

It had brought the game into disrepute, according to Broadway United's secretary, Glynda Tomes, who said it was unknown when their centre back, Graham Hay - the victim of the attack - would be able to play again.

The 21-year-old was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for microsurgery following the attack by a Cookley player and still needed two teeth reset, she said.

"We will not be inviting Cookley Social back to our grounds - if we have anything to do with it - after the way they have just behaved," Ms Tomes added.

The incident happened in the second half of the game, at around 3.30pm, after Broadway had conceded a corner.

A police statement said: "As the victim was walking away from the goal in readiness for the next stage of play, an opponent walked briskly towards him and punched him in the face."

It added the referee had sent off the offending player and taken statements from match officials and other players, but police now wanted spectators to come forward.

The police spokesman added: "This is a most vicious attack and, in view of its seriousness, we would ask anyone who was watching the game to get in touch with us at the earliest opportunity."

Cookley Social's club secretary, Stephen Bullock, said the team was waiting for the referee's report to see exactly what charge the perpetrator faced.

He said the player who carried out the attack would "obviously be banned by the FA" but it was not yet known how long for.

"Up until then he's eligible to play as far I'm aware but it's debatable whether he will do," he said.

He added the club had not experienced such a problem before and believed it was an "isolated incident".

He added: "My own personal feeling on it is that it should be left to the FA to sort out.

"At the time, the player involved apologised to everyone, including the opposing team, as we did.

"I don't condone violence and never have done but the club cannot be held responsible for an individual's misdemeanour. We've done everything as a club after the event that I believe we should have done."

Ms Tomes added: "There is always a bit of antagonism between teams but never to this extent before ...

"When you've got a big crowd watching, for something like this to happen on your pitch is not good."

Anyone with information should contact PC Paul Brown at Evesham Police Station on 08457 444888, quoting 376S/240905.

Worcestershire FA is awaiting the match official's report before carrying out their own review.