SHEERNESS East Reserves FC have been kicked out of the Eastern Junior Cup and fined £175 after being found guilty of misconduct.

The case went before the Kent County Football Association disciplinary committee following an incident in their first round game against St Margaret's Reserves on January 12. In the 44th minute the referee called off the game because he said he felt intimidated by the Island team who were trailing 2-0 at the time.

But Sheerness East club secretary John Longhurst feels the decision and the fine are far too harsh. He said: "We have been found guilty of failing to control of players but feel it's unfair because the referee, in our opinion, was far too weak and simply lost control of the game too easily.

"We are disappointed at being out of the competition but there's nothing we can do. The KCFA always side with the referees, we could appeal again to the national FA but what's the point it will only fall on deaf ears.

"The £175 fine with £100 suspended for 12 months is far too much. I think in this case a £10 fine would have been steep." The KCFA were unavailable for comment.