THE York FA have been slated for ordering a cup semi-final - abandoned when one team allegedly walked off - to be replayed.

The controversial decision, made at an official hearing this week, defied evidence given by the FA's own representative at the match and has been slammed by freelance Sky Sports broadcaster John Temple, who was also a witness.

"As a football reporter and broadcaster of many years' standing, this is far and away the most incomprehensible decision I have ever come across by any football authority," said Temple.

The decision was made after Rawcliffe Under-15s successfully refuted a charge of bringing the York and District Junior FA Cup competition into disrepute.

As reported in the Evening Press, Rawcliffe were leading 1-0 when they conceded a penalty to New Earswick Under-15s and had their goalkeeper red carded for the foul and another man sent off for a second bookable offence, namely dissent. It was alleged, however, that before the spot-kick could be taken, Rawcliffe manager Barry Coates took his team off the pitch in protest, at which point the referee abandoned the game.

However, the case against Rawcliffe was found not proven by a four-man FA commission after officials involved in the game gave conflicting versions of events.

A Rawcliffe spokesman insisted the team did not walk off the pitch. He said the players walked towards the touchline to discuss who should take over in goal following the sending off and to swap shirts accordingly.

"Had we left the pitch and had both officials said we left the pitch we wouldn't have had a leg to stand on. If we didn't want to carry on we would have forfeited the game," he said.

He claimed that referee Steve Dale made no approach to Rawcliffe boss Coates before taking the decision to abandon the game.

Dale, ruled out of officiating at the replay because of work commitments, refused to comment on the decision.

Temple, who was watching his son play for New Earswick, claimed Rawcliffe caused the game to be abandoned and fears the decision to replay - at Riccall tomorrow (ko 1.45pm) - has set an unwanted precedent.

"Does this not condone the actions of the Rawcliffe manager and encourage other managers to do the same when they don't like a decision?" he said.

The decision also angered the FA's own official at the game, Robert Winspear, who told the commission that Rawcliffe had caused the game to be abandoned.

"I gave my evidence but for whatever reason it was not accepted. I am not happy about that at all," he said.

York FA secretary Bob Grainger said the referee and two assistant referees also spoke at the hearing, but added: "Rawcliffe refuted the charge and on the evidence that was given, the case of bringing the competition into disrepute was found not proven."

Chris Dale, the referee's appointment secretary for the league, declared an interest as soon as the incident became an FA matter because his son was the referee in charge of the game and took no part in the debate.

However, he did say, "It must be stressed that the FA and League fully support the referees that are under their jurisdiction and back them to the hilt."

The winners will play Wigginton U15s in the final at Bootham Crescent.

Updated: 10:42 Saturday, April 28, 2001