Kent Youth League Ken Brooke: If we see a repeat of poor behaviour we will be closing down the League for a week, maybe two weeks

The Chief Executive Officer of the Kent Youth League is demanding respectful behaviour at its games today.

Ken Brooke said on the League’s Twitter account that he will not stand for unruly behaviour from players, managers, coaches and parents after a number of incidents that have brought shame on the League that has produced former Maidstone United, Fulham and Manchester United centre-half Chris Smalling.

“A few requests please, which I would ask you to share,” said Brooke, in a statement.

“Two out of the last three weeks I have had to deal with a number of quite serious issues that this League will not tolerate - so please be aware of what will happen.

“If we see a repeat of poor behaviour we will be closing down the League for a week, maybe two weeks, without notice to clubs - grossly unfair to those who do things properly but there has to be a collective to do things positively.

“Spectators - please support our match officials. A senior official is not taking a game this weekend because he felt for his own safety after a game - and social distancing rules were breached.

“Managers and coaches - you are responsible for your parents and spectators on the day of the game. You will from today be held totally responsible for their behaviour - and as coaches please support our officials - they are not the enemy.

“Every time a manager or coach oversteps the mark and gets reported your defence is always it was the referee's fault. Referees will make mistakes and so will you and your players.

“We have had a number of coaches and managers literally placing their heads together like rutting antelopes and your days in this League and numbered when your cases have been dealt with by the County FA - take up boxing, please.

“Players - putting your opponents in hospital by breaking their nose or similar - spitting - are all criminal offences - not acceptable in this League and let’s get back to showing respect for the game and this league - thank you.

“My team work tirelessly to bring you football every week - we deal with 500 emails a week and 90 games every Sunday. We are all fed up with the number of growing incidents each week - if they leave - the League shuts - simple but avoidable.

“Let’s make today a no incident Sunday, please. I will not continue to be part of this league and sour the memory of Mr Boswell, who would be so angry about recent events if poor behaviour continues - help us to get back on track.

“Finally, I am a committed football fan. I have been a manager in this League so I know every part of what you all feel. I know the majority want what I want, competitive football and sportsmanship - it’s over to you, thank you.”

Visit the Kent Youth League website: www.kentyouthleague.co.uk