SUFFOLK: A football boss has today spoken of his disgust and embarrassment after one of his players allegedly spat in the face of a referee.

Philip Mann, who has been manager of Chantry Old Boys for a year, said the player involved will no longer play for the team.

Sunday’s match between Chantry Old Boys and Playford, who are both in The DMR Ipswich Sunday Football League, was abandoned after 88 minutes following the alleged incident.

The player involved, Derrel Youngs, 19, has been suspended from all football and remains under investigation.

Mr Mann said: “As the manager of the club, I am upset the incident happened. I have told the league that the player is no longer welcome at this club. I have been involved as a player and a coach for 15 years and as far as I’m concerned it is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen.

“I am very embarrassed and very sorry that this incident happened and I hope that the player involved is given the worst possible outcome that the League can give him.”

Mr Mann said after the game half his team said they did not want to play any more because they were so disgusted and he admitted he considered quitting too.

“I came home on Sunday and said to the wife, ‘that’s it.’ I’m very upset by it.”

He will be holding talks with his players ahead of their next fixture on Sunday, but hopes it will go ahead.

Regarding the possibility of a re-match with Playford, Mr Mann said he would not take it, saying: “I believe the incident was so major that we do not deserve to get anything from the game.”

The Suffolk FA is currently investigating the incident and the player will remain under suspension from all football until such a time that these investigations are concluded.

The Star has tried to make contact with Mr Youngs but has been unable to do so.

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