Disgusted former ref calls time on game he loved

HAD enough . . . Dave Ball says amateur football has become far too confrontational

DAVE Ball is walking away from a lifelong involvement in amateur football in disgust at the state of the game.

The secretary of AFC Oldham said incidents such as the attack on referee Jess Lawson - reported in the Chronicle last week - have ruined the sport... and he’d rather go fishing. He blames a lack of respect from players of all ages.

The Chronicle told how 20-year-old Jess was spat at and abused by Wilmslow Albion striker Adam Finney when she sent him off for punching the Uppermill FC goalkeeper.

“I was appalled at the abuse suffered by this excellent young referee,” said Mr Ball, a former Manchester County referee and North-West Counties League linesman.

“She officiated at one of our AFC Oldham games and was given glowing reports by both teams.

“I feel so sorry for her. I am so disgusted with the general standard of the modern game that I had already decided to sever all connections with amateur football at the end of the season.

“There is no enjoyment anymore. Even simple decisions have degenerated into major issues.”

His decision came after two Oldham teams, Limeside King George and the now-disbanded Famous King George, were shamed by Manchester County FA for failing to ensure spectators conducted themselves in an orderly way: