THE East Berkshire League has vowed to take a tough stance on severe breaches of discipline this season.

League secretary Gary Reeves is threatening to expel both clubs and players who continue to offend after the abandonment of a fixture on the opening day of the new season.

The Division One match between Richings Park and Barley Mow was abandoned by the referee.

It is believed the Park goalkeeper clashed with a Barley forward late in the game at Wellesley Avenue.

The incident is being investigated by the Berks & Bucks FA, who will consider the referee’s report, statements from witnesses, and observations by both the clubs involved.

Reeves explained to the Observer that the league will not take action until the matter has been dealt with by the county FA but has condemned ‘thuggery’ in the game.

He warned: “We’ve talked about respect at various meetings, but if people continue to offend then they will be dealt with harshly.

“The number of incidents did drop to about six last year, but one is too many as far as I’m concerned.

“We will deal with it because we’re not going to have the league’s name brought down. Thuggery will not be tolerated and incidents will be dealt with.

“We will deal with people if they do continue to offend, we are not going to let them get into a pattern.

“We will take registration cards away from players and clubs who do not show any respect.

“All players want to feel safe and enjoy their football, not worry about being kicked all over the park.” Reeves commented: “I’m a little bit concerned because we are only one game in and already there has been an abandonment.

“It’s not good in terms of the us as a league cleaning it up.

“You can end up with egg on your face so we prefer to stay silent, and then look at the facts and figures.

“The ref is the man in the middle, he’s the independent witness of the day. He is the man charged with the final decision.

“We will let the county FA deal with the matter first. There may well be a hearing and we will take advise from them.” Are the EBFL right to take away players' and clubs' registration cards if they continue to offend?

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