A POLICE investigation is underway after a referee was allegedly punched by a player while officiating a HFA County League match.

It is understood Will Webb, who was playing for Hereford Lads Club Reserves, struck Les Coultas during a Premier Division match against Orleton Colts.

Coultas was left with scratches and bruises and Webb has been immediately suspended by the Herefordshire Football Association while they investigate the incident.

Hereford Lads Club have also confirmed he has left the club, as well as other players who were reportedly involved in incidents that happened during the match.

“A fight broke out but did not involve the player who hit me,” explained Mr Coultas.

“But he got involved and, after I had issued red cards, hit me.

“The Orleton players defended me – even though I had sent off one of their players – but the Lads Club player managed to hit me again.”

Mr Coultas has been officiating matches since 1983 and says he has never been physically attacked before.

“I have received verbal abuse but nothing of this nature,” he added.

Since the events of Saturday, Mr Coultas has been contacted by a number of football clubs who have offered him their full support.

“All the genuine people involved in the sport have been very helpful and wished me well,” he said.

“But I’m ok – despite a few cuts and bruises – and will be back taking charge of a match on Saturday.”

A Lads Club Reserves player – who did not wish to be named – condemned the actions of his team mate.

"It was a rush of blood that happened in the heat of the moment and it was unfortunate what happened," he said.

"Some of Les' decisions may leave a bit to be desired, but that's never a reason to subject him to that."

Danny Moon, who is player-manager of the first team, confirmed the Reserves' manager has been relieved of his duties, while the players involved have been banned from the club.

"The club sends its wishes to the referee and would like to make it clear that the player involved was totally wrong for the disgraceful actions he has taken," said Moon.

West Mercia Police have confirmed they received a report of an alleged assault on a referee at 4.50pm on Saturday.

"The alleged assault occurred following a sliding tackle during the game," reads the police statement.

"After a brief altercation the referee issued a player with a red card, and it is believed a player has proceeded to attack the referee."

Anyone who witnessed the assault are asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 0583S 8 October.

The HFA are set to discuss the matter further on Monday.

* Since the incident, Lads Club Reserves have reappointed Leon Cooke as their new manager.

Cooke has already brought in a number of new players, including Mark Phipps, Henry Hastings, Will Marsh, Clive Symonds, Stefan Francis, Ashley Francis, Luke Williams, Tom Prince, Damian Tolley, Scott Bruton and Dave Avery.