A disciplinary hearing in Shrewsbury last night was told that referee Chris Oldaker had been confronted by players and verbally abused,

He had also been accused of being a racist after he called off a match because the Impact United team had arrived late.

The altercation happened at Oldbury Wells School in Bridgnorth, where the team was due to play Riverside, and was reported to police.

The Impact United team, mainly made up of mainly black players, had been suspended by the Sunday League pending last night’s hearing following the incident on September 10.

Shropshire FA official Neil Sambrook confirmed the team had admitted the misconduct charge and had been fined £300, but players would not be suspended.

“We would like to make it clear that the referee was not physically assaulted, but there was a level of verbal abuse which was unacceptable,” he said.

Impact United, which plays home matches at the Oakengates Leisure Centre, had turned up late. There was a fracas when Mr Oldaker called the game off.

Today Impact United secretary Natalie Heywood said the fine was because the players had accused the referee of being a racist.

“It is accepted this was wrong. The players are African lads who are new to football in this country, but now fully appreciate the rules,” she said.  Popular stories:

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