The future of a long-standing football league is under threat over serious discipline issues and the abuse of officials which is “out of control”.
Kent County Football League chairman Gavin Hoare has sent a warning letter to member clubs over concern and exasperation from himself and the committee following a series of issues, including seven games that have been abandoned in the last 12 months, with police attending on more than one occasion.
In a stern message to member clubs, Mr Hoare claimed a minority of them “cannot control the behaviour of their spectators and/or their players.”
He has said the league’s executive committee have had enough and they are exploring ways of reducing the discipline problems which could mean points deductions, a name-and-shame policy and expelling the worst offending teams.
The Kent County League – founded in 1922 and currently consisting of seven divisions – is a National League System Regional Feeder League for open-age men’s football based all over Kent and South East London, with direct promotion to the Southern Counties East Football League.
Mr Hoare said that “this season has been one of the worst for discipline and even more worrying, serious discipline.
“This badly tarnishes the league’s reputation and falls well below any standard we expect.
“On top of this, we have had teams choosing when they want to play and on what type of pitch they will play on, leading to games being postponed which did not need to be. This is not acceptable as so much work goes into putting fixtures together.”
He said this this season, 14 games have not been fulfilled due to the actions of one club.
“Abuse to match officials is also now out of control and must stop,” he wrote.
“There have been 23 charges for match official approaches within the designated cooling-off period this season.
“The executive committee has now decided enough is enough and will put forward to the full committee its plan to turn this decline around.
“This serious bad behaviour has to stop immediately.
“It is clear that some clubs cannot control it, so it’s time for the League to explore what we can do.”
Mr Hoare said he would be talking to the Football Association over possible points deductions which could also mean recommendations to expel clubs from the league.
He is also seeking permission to name and shame those causing problems and added: “If we do not deal with this minority, both quickly and effectively, then it will be the majority that suffers as there may well be no league for them to play in.
“There are no other people to take over the running of this league if senior officers walk away. Trust me this is not a threat.
“I remain confident that the vast majority of good clubs in this league will support the management committee in taking the toughest actions against those spoiling the game for the rest of us.”
It would need a vote of member clubs to expel another and Mr Hoare warned: “I implore you, do not be the first club that members eject from the league.”
He added: “If we cannot produce clubs ready and wanting to play at a higher level then we just become another local league, of which there are now only a few left.
“We have set a high standard, which we accept has fallen somewhat, mainly following the Covid seasons.
“We have not restored standards back to pre-Covid times. This will be addressed immediately, and if it means a few are not able to maintain those standards, then this may not be the league for them.
“I will lead and fully support my team in what may be some tough decisions we will have to take, and I will support all referees that continue to try and do their best under, in some cases, the most unacceptable pressures.”
