Two footballers face life bans after the North Riding FA handed out two of its stiffest sentences ever for assault on referees.
It follows growing worries by the county FA and leagues at Scarborough of attacks on referees which has led to several match officials quitting.
Dean Ingle (New Tavern, Scarborough) and Anthony Berry (Commercial, Scarborough) have been handed unlimited bans, which can only be reviewed after five years, and fined £200 each by the FA.
Tony Thornton, secretary of Scarborough Sunday League said: "It is an example to show other players cannot be attacked. We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour and we hope the sentences have the desired effect".
Ingle was banned for punching a referee in a cup game against and FC Aberdeen in November, and Berry for stamping on a referee's toes in a game against Crown Tavern Reserves.
The FA also handed out other fines and bans, including Kevin Jaques of Old Malton St Mary's (seven day ban and £10 fine) and Robert Preston, Thornton Dale (77 day ban and £40 fine).
Updated: 11:43 Tuesday, January 16, 2001
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