Striker Julian Alsop was sacked by Oxford United because he performed a lewd prank on a youth team player, it has been alleged.

Up to three other youth team players have been temporarily suspended by United, while the club investigates the incident.

They are reported to include striker Craig Davies and Northern Ireland youth team defender James Tweed, though there is no suggestion that they did anything wrong.

The incident happened in the dressing rooms at the Kassam Stadium.

Alsop, who has been out of favour for most of this season, had been training with the youth team, and it was allegedly after a training session with the youngsters that the 6ft 4in centre forward got involved in an argument with one of the youngsters and then played the prank.

Yesterday, Oxford United announced that Alsop had been dismissed.

A statement issued by the club said: "Following an incident at the Kassam Stadium a disciplinary hearing was convened last week and having heard the evidence the club has taken the decision to dismiss Julian Alsop with immediate effect.

"The club will not make any further comment on the matter."

Alsop, 31, joined United in June 2003 and forged a successful striking partnership with Steve Basham which took the U's to the top of the table ten months ago.

But his weight and fitness were a major concern and his appearances became less regular in the second half of last season.

New manager Graham Rix told him to lose weight in the summer, and he did so, but was stunned to see the club bring in new forwards Tommy Mooney and Lee Bradbury.

His first-team opportunities have been limited this campaign.

He came on as a second-half substitute in the 6-1 defeat at Yeovil on September 18 and when Rix ordered the players in for extra training the next morning, Alsop was not there.

The club disciplined him, fining him what was believed to be two weeks' wages, but Alsop said he would appeal and asked for a transfer.

He was transfer-listed, although his manager stated publicly that he wanted to keep him.

"Julian has been fined and he's not happy about it," Rix said afterwards.

"He's asked for a transfer, but I've told him I want him to stay."

But Alsop was desperate to get away from the club.

This latest episode was considered serious and, following disciplinary meetings, in which he was represented by the PFA in the shape of former Oxford United striker Nick Cusack - who knew him from his Swansea days - he was sacked.

Speaking from abroad last night, Kassam said: "We've followed the procedures and dealt with it in the appropriate manner."

Asked if he felt embarrassed that the incident had taken place at his stadium, Kassam replied: "Where the incident took place is irrelevant. We've gone through the procedures that we felt were right."

Club secretary Mick Brown said: "There is an appeal procedure available to Julian should he decide on that course of action.

"The other youth team players have been asked to stay away from the club for a few days while we investigate the matter. That is normal practice.

"What we have is only an allegation at the moment, until we have gathered all the evidence."

Alsop was unavailable for comment.