A SUNDAY league footballer has been banned from playing after spitting in the face of a referee.

The incident took place in May during a play-off match at Rushmere Sports Club between FC Brookhayes and AFC Mildenhall. Brookhayes’ substitute Lee Broomfield had been on the pitch for less than ten minutes when he was sent off.

A spokesman for Suffolk FA said an investigation had taken place and on June 25 Mr Broomfield was issued with a �150 fine.

He was also banned from playing football indefinitely, a decision which he is unable to appeal for 12months.

Speaking after the incident, one witness, who asked not to be named, claimed Mr Broomfield had sworn at the match officials before spitting at the referee.