TWO young footballers have been threatened with suspension by the Football Association after violence flared at a North-East match.

A Teesside Junior League fixtured between Whitby Town under 14s and Darlington Spraire Lads B had to be abandoned after Whitby players were allegedly punched and head-butted by two Darlington youths.

John Topping, from Durham Football Association, said last night that he feared violence in youth games - involving boys as young as ten - was "getting out of hand".

The Darlington side was reduced to ten players after a sending off and, when tempers flared, the match was abandoned.

Mr Topping said he had received the referee's report and had taken the appropriate disciplinary action, by offering the two unnamed players involved a suspension. They can either accept the punishment, make an appeal in writing, or request an appeal in person.

He said: "Youth football incidents, involving children as young as ten, are becoming more frequent. It is a worrying situation."

Geoff Martin, manager of the Darlington team, said his players were not entirely at fault and claimed that some Whitby players had been abusive.

Mark Jarvis, of the North Riding Football Association, said no disciplinary action would be taken against Whitby.