Youth football behaviour warning after 72 red cards and alleged assault

A youth football league has issued a warning about bad behaviour after 72 red cards were handed out and a team official was assaulted during the first week of the new season.

Officials from the Central Scotland Football Association said they have received reports of violence, threatening behaviour, discriminatory language and matches being abandoned.

One of the incidents happened during a football festival for five and six-year-olds, where a team official is alleged to have headbutted another team official.

According to league organisers, the incident was witnessed by other adults as well as young children taking part in the event.

In another incident, a parent allegedly approached a league official aggressively after being asked to move away from an area beside the pitch reserved for players and team staff.

Officials said several games were abandoned during the opening week because of "team officials looking to fight with other team officials".

Allegations of discriminatory language being used during matches, adults directing abusive comments at young players, and team officials threatening children are also being investigated.

Police are involved in one case following reports that threats were made during a game and that possible hate-related language was used.

In a message sent to clubs, league officials described the opening week of the season as a "new all-time low".

The statement from League Secretary Paul Crosbie said: "The line has well and truly been crossed.

"The new season has been back for one week, seven days and already we have a long list of indiscipline and behaviours that have no place in grassroots football."

The league's executive and disciplinary committees are now reviewing the cases and fixtures could be suspended for some teams and clubs as a result.

No individuals, teams or clubs have been named while investigations continue.

The Scottish Youth Football Association have been approached for comment.