TWO footballers have been suspended following the abandonment of a Worcester and District Football League match.

The Katherine Rayer Cup first round encounter between Sunday Premier Division rivals Berwick Rangers and Arrow 2000 was called off with 25 minutes to go because of an alleged attack on the match referee.

Andy Daniel sent two Ber-wick players off in the aftermath of Arrow’s third goal, which was disputed over an off-side decision.

Daniel Matthews and Ricki Halion, who both play for Berwick, have been charged by the Worcestershire Foot-ball Association and have been suspended until their cases are heard.

Matthews has been charged with common assault on a match official, while Halion has been charged with common assault on a match official as well as causing bodily harm.

Rangers’ secretary Lee Hough, acting as a linesman, was charged with approaching a match official following the abandonment of a game and using offensive language.

Berwick have also been charged with failing to control their players resulting in the surrounding of a referee with subsequent actions causing the match to be abandoned.

Matthews faces a possible 182-day ban and £150 fine but Halion’s charge could carry a permanent suspension from all football activities with no review for five years and £250 fine. Both the club and players have until November 4 to respond.

The matter is due to go before the league’s management committee on November 17 when it will be decided whether to replay the match, which Arrow 2000 were winning 3-1.