KENT County Football Association referees' officer John Newson has promised a personal investigation into the cases of two Sheppey referees who have quit the game following vile abuse.

Scott Waters and David Bell have turned their backs on the game and in doing so contributed to the growing shortage of referees in the county.

Mr Waters, took his decision after being abused in the Wilson Fun Company Sheppey Sunday League, Division 1 match between F&G Bapchild and Fox and Goose on November 24. He had officiated in the competition for six years.

Mr Bell withdrew after taking charge of the game between Newington Village and Towns Club A in Division 2. He was subjected to abuse after escorting his seven-year-old son to the family car at half time because he was cold.

Both referees agreed that the level of abuse towards referees had become increasingly worse in recent years and that the light-hearted banter that went on between players and officials had developed into something more sinister.

Mr Bell was assaulted by a player in the first game of last season. Mr Newson said: "I am alarmed and deeply concerned that these two Sheppey referees are going to be lost to the game.

"I intend asking for the paper work on both cases when I'll have a clearer idea of exactly what went on. Whether it's on Sheppey or indeed anywhere else in the county, the message is clear. We cannot afford to lose any more referees through abuse or whatever the circumstances."

He added: "If players keep on with the level of abuse I keep hearing about then we shall face an acute shortage.

"I will go as far as to say that unless the situation improves then the British Energy Kent County League and the Go Travel Kent League will have to use club linesmen before long. That's how serious I view the present shortages."