A FOOTBALLER was arrested after a referee was attacked in a local league game at the weekend.

The incident happened in the Scarborough and District League match between McCains and Dolphin Dynamics at McCains' Eastfield ground, and resulted in Rod McPherson being taken to hospital with facial injuries.

"Mr McPherson suffered serious facial injuries caused by a member of the away team, including broken teeth and a split lip. One person was subsequently arrested," said a North Yorkshire Police spokesman.

"It was the worst incidence of violence on the field I have ever seen in the league," said league secretary Geoff Nellist, who has been involved in local football at Scarborough for many years.

"It was disgraceful and I hope that tough action is taken against the culprit because this kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated."

In addition to any action police may take against the player who has not been identified, he will also have to go before a Football Association inquiry and could face a fine and lifetime ban from playing in league games.