Maidstone have been cast adrift at the bottom of London 2 South East after being docked 50 points by the RFU over an eye-gouging incident in a game against Gravesend last year.

Gs player Clarence Harding lost the sight in his right eye after an incident in a cup game between the two sides at The Mote on January 17, 2010.

Maidstone appeared before an RFU Disciplinary Panel on Wednesday charged with being responsible for the action of unidentified players.

Chair of the panel, Gareth Rees QC, said: "Players who commit serious acts of misconduct on the field of play must realise that such acts can have serious repercussions for a club as a whole.

"In these changing times clubs must accept a greater responsibility for the conduct of its members, including on the field of play."

He added: "The panel acknowledge that Maidstone gave great assistance to both the police and the RFU during their investigations into this matter."

Maidstone - who have also been fined £2,000 by the RFU - have the right of appeal.

The club did lie sixth in the table with six wins from their 10 games, but now lie on minus 22 points, 37 points behind third-bottom Old Dunstonians and safety with just 12 games remaining, meaning relegation is almost certain.