FOOTBALL clubs Puss 'n' Boots and College Of Law are facing FA disciplinary hearings after their York FA Sunday Afternoon Cup tie was abandoned.

Either side, or both, could be kicked out of the competition, while the related fixture in the next round of the competition, scheduled for November 30, might also be affected if the outcome of the hearings is not determined in time.

Both clubs, the York Football Association and the North Riding County FA have all refused to say what actually happened to cause the second-round clash to finish prematurely.

However, the Evening Press believes a fight broke out on the pitch after which College Of Law refused to restart the match, claiming they feared for the safety of their players. College Of Law were leading 2-1 with eight minutes remaining at the time of the abandonment.

A spokesman for North Riding County FA said the tie would probably have to be replayed unless one or both of the teams were expelled from the competition, which would be for the York FA to decide.

He said the NRCFA had sent reports to both clubs and were awaiting responses which must be received by November 14. However, he did not say what charges, if any, had been or could be brought to the two teams, saying they were waiting for the clubs' responses before deciding what action to take.

The Press believes the probable charges would relate to misconduct causing the game to be abandoned.

York FA secretary Bob Grainger said the York FA were awaiting the outcome of NRCFA hearings before deciding what action to take themselves. He confirmed it was possible either side or both could be expelled from the competition, while he thought it unlikely that the disciplinary procedure would be completed in time for the next round.

Updated: 11:02 Friday, October 31, 2003