ABUSE of officials in local football appears to be out of control, according to Thanet Sunday League referees’ secretary Arran Ayres.

And he warns that players’ misbehaviour is leading to a serious shortage of referees.

Mr Ayres said: "Thanet has its worst shortage of referees in five years. We have already had one week where seven games were not covered. Some of the behaviour of players and club management is nothing short of disgraceful.

"The league will not tolerate this idiotic behaviour and clubs that continue to allow this will be reported to the disciplinary committee. What are they all going to do on a Sunday in five years, when they have no referees left to officiate their games?"

Mr Ayres said abusive language was a national problem, which needed to be tackled at the grass-roots level.

He said: "I would like to see clubs have points deducted for players who abuse match officials and longer bans, starting with a minimum 180 days.

"I would also like to see clubs with good disciplinary records given priority in the appointment of match officials."