A FOOTBALL semi-final was abandoned at the weekend after a brawl broke out when two players were sent off for fighting.

The abandonment of The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League's semi-final between Haughton Working Men's Club and Longfield could throw into doubt the final of the competition.

The trouble started when the referee sent off two players for fighting after he had managed to split them up. But they continued to throw punches at each other as they left the pitch.

As team mates and officials on the sidelines tried to intervene, there were further scuffles between the two teams, and the referee took the decision to abandon the game in fear that the tension would escalate if the game restarted.

League secretary Ken Moore, who was at the game, said: "I'm sickened really. There is no need for this. We struggle to get referees anyway.

"The referee was right to abandon the game. It just got out of control. If he had started again, it might have kicked off again."

The league has referred the incident to Durham County Football Association, which will decide what action to take against the two teams. It will also decide what do with the remainder of the cup competition.

Mr Moore said the options included throwing both teams out of the competition. The league could also decide to replay the game.

He added: "I look at our final as our showcase event, so I would like the game to be replayed. But it is a tricky one. I will need guidance from the county FA. We have rules, but it doesn't cover things like this."

The other semi-final was also played on Sunday, with Smith & Allan, league leaders in the first division, winning 8-2 against Spraire RA.

John Topping, secretary of Durham County FA, confirmed the FA had received the referee's report into the game. He said both players and both clubs would be charged under FA rules. They all had the options to appeal against the decisions or request personal hearings.

Mr Topping added: "Unfortunately it is not a one-off. It is occurring more than more." He praised the action of the referee in abandoning the game, adding: "He doesn't have much option."

Officials from both clubs declined to comment further, and said they would leave aby further action at the league's discretion.