Ipswich: FA launch investigation over claim footballer spat in referee’s face
THE FA has launched an investigation after a Sunday league footballer was accused of spitting in the face of a referee.
The incident is said to have taken place during a play-off match yesterday at Rushmere Sports Club between FC Brookhayes and AFC Maidenhall.
The Ipswich Star understands the player being investigated was Brookhayes’s substitute Lee Broomfield, who had been on the pitch for less then ten minutes when he was sent off.
One witness claimed Mr Broomfield, who is believed to be 30 years old, swore at the match officials before spitting at the referee.
Suffolk FA chief executive Phil Knight said he expected to receive the referee’s match report today before deciding on what course of action to take.
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The player could be immediately suspended while inquiries continue.
“There are a number of options open to us,” he said. “If proven we will act accordingly.”
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If Mr Broomfield is charged by the FA, he will have the opportunity to defend himself before a disciplinary hearing.
Mr Knight said he was planning to speak to the referee, Michael Moir, last night.
Brookhayes’s secretary and manager Lee Whitmore said the player would not represent the club again.
He added: “We have had a bad disciplinary record in the past but this season has been excellent.”
The play-off match, which finished 4-2 to AFC Maidenhall, decided which of the clubs would be promoted to the Premier Division of the DMR Ipswich Sunday Football League.
Last month, a match between Chantry Old Boys and Playford was abandoned after a Chantry player was accused of spitting in the referee’s face.
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