King delighted with results of strong stance Brian King, the general manager of the Sport Italia Hellenic League, says that adopting a zero tolerance policy to inappropriate lanaguage has proved a huge success.

Clubs signed up to the scheme at the league's annual meeting in a bid to reduce levels of foul language during matches.

King said: "The impact of our policy has resulted in a better environment for players, match officials and spectators.

"I believe that positive progress has been made towards eradicating the more unpleasant aspects from the game, and we will also be at the forefront of change as a positive and pro-active competition."

An example of this came this week when Carterton's Ady Holder was suspended for 20 matches by the Oxfordshire FA for misconduct in the home game against Almondsbury in January.

Holder, who was sent off after a mass confrontation, was involved in further incidents during half-time and at the start of the second half, which led to him being landed with a lengthy ban and a substantial fine.

The Hellenic League have withdrawn Holder's registration due to his continuing misconduct.

"The happenings in this fixture totally flew in the face of the efforts to control and eradicate the more unpleasant aspects from matches," the league said in a statement.

Our picture shows Banbury United's Paul Lamb (left) and Ady Fuller showing their frustration at referee Paul Toyer after a decision goes against them in a derby match with Brackley.