Umpires on the Home Counties Premier League panel may refuse to stand at Aston Rowant next season.

A number of officials are threatening a boycott of matches at Butts Way in the wake of last year’s brawl between Rowant’s Tim Miles and Basingstoke & North Hants’ Dean Nurse.

The issue is due to be discussed at a panel meeting on Thursday night and umpires’ chairman John Reed said there was some ill feeling.

“I’ve spoken to umpires who will not officiate at Aston Rowant this season,” said Reed. “There are umpires who feel that the behaviour of Aston Rowant was not in the spirit of cricket.”

Reed said umpires were upset at the way Rowant had appealed against the league’s punishment for the brawl.

In particular, there were concerns about Rowant’s criticism of the two umpires.

Reed said: “Umpires are thinking ‘do I want to got to Aston Rowant and get my report torn apart if there is a disciplinary problem?’ “I am sure there will be enough umpires to fulfil the games, but there is certainly some very strong feeling on the panel.”

Rowant chairman Gary Condon declined to comment.