Shame as manager punches referee at an under seven's football match

A South London Alliance football club have spoken of their shock after a manager allegedly punched a referee at a junior football match today.

Kingfisher Glory Football Club ply their trade in the First Division (second-tier) of the South London Alliance and run fourteen teams from under 7s to the first team.

The New Eltham based club used twitter to reveal the shocking incident, which they claimed happened at an under seven match today.

However, the club failed to spill the beans on the identity of the culprit or where the alleged incident took place.

The club statement said: “Shocking scenes at an under 7’s game today! A manager punched the referee.

“No names/clubs shamed yet! What should the punishment be for him?

“It was a big club/team within the area too! Proper shocking! Not sure how the parents for the team stand for it?!

“As a club and personally I/we will do everything we can to remove individuals like this that ruin our kids’ game.”

The twitter feed of neighbouring club AFC Mottingham, who ply their trade in the Kent County League Division One West, added: “He should never be allowed to work with kids again, disgusting behaviour!"

And a statement from ProInfinity Coaching, which is linked to Southern Counties East Football League club Holmesdale, also tweeted their disgust.

“Absolutely disgusting! This individual needs to be banned and named by The FA as an example to all.”

A number of former Kingfisher youngsters went on to become professional footballers, including Ashley Probets and Mark Tivey.

Left-back Probets, who is now on the books at Ryman Premier League club Thamesmead Town, started at Kingfisher before signing for Arsenal and Rochdale, before dropping into non-league football for Fisher Athletic and VCD Athletic.

And defender Tivey was a pro for Charlton Athletic and in Sweden and also played for then Ryman League side Bromley.  He now runs his own London based professional sports consultancy and management company.

Visit Kingfisher Glory’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/kingfisherjuniorfootballclub