A COUNTY footballer believes he has been harshly treated after receiving a 112 day suspension for abusing a referee.

Tom Harding was sent off for Hereford Lads Club against Pegasus Juniors on September 20 after receiving two yellow cards – one for simulation and one for foul and abusive language.

The 29-year-old striker admits he continued to use abuse the official after he left the pitch, but believes the suspension is too long when compared to what some professional players receive.

"I have played football in Herefordshire since I was 15 and I know I can be a little bit silly but that is me," said Harding, who was also fined £75.

"What I am most annoyed about is that professional footballers can get charged for racist or aggressive behaviour and hardly get anything.

"I hadn't pushed anyone, so I think the suspension is a bit out of order.

"I don't go out on a Saturday looking to fight.

"I've got a two-year-old daughter who I only see at weekends, so I don't give up my Saturday to cause problems for the HFA or referees.

"I pay money to play football because that is what I love to do.

"I spoke to [HFA chief executive] Jim Lambert who said I was more than welcome to appeal it, but the problem I would have is that, in grassroots football, that is what you get.

"I also think you have to pay another £100 to appeal it.

"I am frustrated about it all, but it is what it is.

"In my opinion, it's a bit harsh, but I'm 29 and a grown man, so will take it on the chin."

Harding said he was upset with the referee after being booked for diving.

"I may be a lot of things, but I'm no diver – I've never dived in my life," said Harding.

"I overreacted and swore at him, so I got a second yellow card.

"After the game, I was still quite upset about it and approached him in the changing rooms.

"I didn't lay a finger on him, but I did use threatening words and I hold my hands up.

"I was disrespectful and I apologised to him afterwards."

Lambert confirmed Harding was charged with using threatening and/or abusive language towards a match official and he was handed the FA standard suspension, which is in place to support referees.

The suspension started last Friday and will end on March 15.

Harding is also registered with Midland Football League Division Three side Bartestree.

"I decided to take a break at the end of last season because there were a few things happening in the my personal life so I couldn't fully commit to Lads Club," explained Harding.

"I had a suspension anyway, so Caddy [Bartestree manager Dave Cadwallader] asked me if I was interested in going there and said it didn't matter if I couldn't commit to every game.

"Because they're in a different league, I could be dual registered."