Amateur players face swearing ban

Amateur footballers will face an instant red card for swearing as part of a zero-tolerance approach to foul language on the pitch.

The radical scheme, launched by the Football Association, will be pioneered by 20 leagues at the start of next season and could be extended to the Premier League if successful.

But some claim it could have a devastating effect on the grassroots game in the West Midlands.

Players using unnecessary foul language will get an immediate red card.

Team officials will be sent to the stand, or out of the ground, and be reported.

Terry Ankritt, of Walsall Wood FC of the West Midlands Premier League, said matches could be abandoned if too many players were sent off and fines, which can be in excess of £200, would force players to give up.

He said: "I think this red card ban is ridiculous. There are already enough rules and you already have referees who don't understand the offside rule or linesmen who don't understand.

"If this instant ban comes in then you have a realistic situation where if you have four players sent off from one side then the match has to be stopped because of a lack of players."

"On top of this you have a fine of £23 which the club has to pay and then get back from the player. They are just going to leave if they get fined all the time. Financially, we are struggling enough as it is."

Bill Shaw, of Pelsall Villa, said they had picked up seven fines at one match as well as another £100 on top.

"You are going to get to a position where matches are stopped after 20 minutes," he said.

"It is a good idea but it brings with it a number of problems.

"Games are going to have to abandoned and players can't afford to be fined all time time so may play less."

The FA has announced that The Arngrove Northern League, based in the north east, will be one of the first leagues to launch the zero tolerance approach to swearing in its second division from August.

Ray Lewis, the FA referees' committee chairman, said: "We will watch very closely how this works out."

The experiment is taking place in line with the FA's Respect scheme, a campaign across seven counties to cut the level of abuse at referee