POOR discipline and rowdy supporters has led to The Tavern being excluded from next season's Worcester and District Football League.

Despite comfortably winning Sunday Division Three in their inaugural campaign, the club failed to gain re-election at the league's annual general meeting.

Intimidating behaviour to-wards players and officials, fans getting drunk on the sidelines and taking megaphones to games are among the reasons behind their exclusion.

Ronkswood Sports, who finished as runners-up in Sunday Division One, have also suffered disciplinary problems and have withdrawn from the league for 2007/08.

Last season the club racked up the most penalty points for players being booked or sent off during matches.

Ill-discipline has become an increasing problem for the league, which also runs a Saturday division, and there are fears referees will walk away as a result.

Only last month, Sunday Premier Division champions Trinity Lakes had three players sent off and refused to collect their runners-up medals after losing the Worcester Nursing Junior Cup final 2-1 to a late penalty against Arrow 2000.

A league statement read: "Intimidation and bullying cannot be accepted in our sport. Those who think they can use such threats against opposition players, club officials, spectators or referees will not be tolerated.

"With the backing of all member clubs, bullies will be excluded from our competition."

It continued: "Certainly, the game will lose more referees if we do not stamp out the problem.

"The number of players from clubs in this league being red-carded in external cup finals causes concern "Thankfully, referees are taking action and the county FA backs them to the hilt."

Meanwhile, 11 teams will contest next season's Saturday division with sides allowed to enter four cup competitions. There had been fears that Saturday football would have to stop for the first time in 114 years because of a lack of teams.

The Worcester and District League has also frozen its fees for a fourth season in a row, meaning teams pay £60 to enter and £50 to be included in a monthly prize draw.

The league also made a profit of £3,520.88 for the 2006/07 season.

In addition, Paul Fuller of Talbot (Worcester) was elected to the management committee to represent Saturday sides.

Proposed divisions for the 2007/08 season: Saturday: Grosvenor Sport, Hallow WMC, Hanley Swan, Martley Spurs, Pershore Man-or, Talbot (Worcester), University of Worcester, VBL Sports, West Malvern, Wor-cester YMCA, Upton Town.

Sunday Premier: Kempsey, Archdales, NWB, Martley Perrywood, Arrow 2000, Prin-ner Sports, Powick, CMB Sports, Droitwich, Black-pole, Trinity Lakes, AFC Mazak.

Division One: Callow End, Droitwich Res, Malvern Rad-ar, The Bridge, Perowne Park Rangers, Reality Ran-gers, Worcester Juniors, Colwall St James, New Barbourne, Droit-wich Eagles, Martley Spurs Reserves, Wilsons RSVP XI.

Division Two: Cutnall Gr-een, Comer Rangers, Bar-bourne Ex, Kays, Westbury Celtic, The Barley, St Johns, Courtyard, Northwick Vale, Severnside, Sporting Worcester, New Inn Claines, Upton.

Division Three: University of Worcester Staff, Powick Res, North Worcester Ran-gers, Bringsty, Bridge Rangers, Deers Leap, Anchor Fal-cons, Northwick Sports, West Midlands, Barbourne Celtic, Warndon Ath, Star & Garter.

Division Four: TJs, Prinners Sports Reserves, Littleworth, Plumbers Arms, Villagers, Punchbowl, Anchor, Goodrest, Speedy, Crown, Hornets, Old Vigornians, Junction Six.