HUNTERCOMBE FC have been withdrawn from the East Berkshire Football League after ‘mindless thuggery’ during a game on Saturday.

The Steamteam, who were top of the Premier Division, has been folded with immediate effect by manager John Brennan.

The East Berkshire League committee have applauded the decision from Brennan, who is believed to be upset by the actions of his players.

A statement released this week read: “Brennan withdrew Huntercombe from the league after disgraceful events and misconduct at the Ascot & Fielden cup tie.

“We applaud John, who was not at the game, for his actions. He is clearly upset by the actions of his players on Saturday.

“The game is being investigated by the County and they await the referees report, along with us.

“After seeing eye witness reports, the committee are shocked and upset at the mindless thuggery that went on during and after the game.

“The committee has decided to temporarily suspend the registration of all Huntercombe players that appeared on the team sheet until we have the full facts.

“The incident follows on from an abandoned game between Slough Central and Huntercombe in early January.

“This is also being investigated by the County as well as the East Berkshire Football League.

“The league will not tolerate this behaviour and it seems there is a real problem with some clubs, and no respect for players and officials.

“This has to stop. We will take a zero tolerance stance and start suspending player registrations and offending clubs.

“The league are always trying to attract better players and officials, and if this behaviour continues we will have no league.

“It was only last Thursday that we talked about abandoned games, and even one is too many.

“The committee will speak with the County and look at how we deal with the recent events surrounding our league.

“The East Berkshire Football League will start making decisions and we are sure that the County will support us.

“We have already invited Liz Verrall, the CEO of the Berks & Bucks FA, to our management meeting in March.

“Already other leagues look at us and seemingly turn their noses up. We need to get our act together and get rid of the thugs.

“To be honest, we are lost for words.” After Huntercombe were withdrawn from the league, Iver FC moved to the top of the Premier Division.

**PICK up a copy of the Observer, out Friday, for the full story and our complete East Berkshire League round-up** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter at @Observer_sports**