Violence at youth match

The manager of a Shropshire junior football team had the windscreen of his car smashed after a cup match ended in violence.Andy Cross, manager, of Meole Brace Under 17 team, has reported the Telford Juniors Under 18 team to the Shropshire Football Association, claiming his players were intimated after yesterday's game at the Phoenix Sports Centre, Dawley.

But Paul Sankey, manager of the Telford team, said he did not believe any of his players were involved.

Shropshire FA and police today confirmed they were investigating the incident.

Mr Cross said his players were followed to the changing rooms, had bottles thrown at them and were spat at.

He said he was kicked and assistant manager John Pritchard and a player were was hit on the head by bottles.

Mr Cross, who said his team won 4-3, claimed one teenager shattered his windscreen with his fist while he was trying to drive out of the centre with three of his players in the car.

He said: "The lads were so frightened and one said he had never been so scared in his life. They were throwing stones at the car and in the boot."

Mr Sankey said he was at the game - the first between the teams - but did not see the trouble.

He said: "I know the police came down and have been questioning a few people outside the Phoenix. I do not think our lads were involved. There were some lads hanging about who were not to do with football.

"I have given the police a list of names of our players and if anything comes up, they will let me know and we can take action."

Neil Sambrook, of Shropshire FA, said misconduct was taken very seriously. He said: "We have received a verbal complaint from the Meole Brace Club. We are waiting for the referee's report. The referee observed a lot of the incidents which allegedly went on after the game.

"If we feel misconduct charges must be brought against one or both clubs then we will do."

Police spokesman Chris Ammonds said investigations were being carried out today. He said: "We had a call about 4pm yesterday from a gentleman saying they had been attacked in the car and the windscreen was smashed."

Any witnesses can contact police on 08457 444888.

By Rebecca Lawrence