Sunday football investigated by Sussex FA

Police said the latest incident saw one player hospitalised with head injuries and another under investigation for assault.

Five matches have had to be abandoned already this season as referees struggle to cope with the unruly behaviour of players and club members.

Little Common Wheatsheaf have just been hit by a fine for locking match official Neil Ager in the changing rooms after blaming him for a defeat.

Hastings & East Sussex Sunday Football League secretary Robin Powell refused to comment on individual cases but warned there would be a crackdown on offenders.

"It s suddenly turning into an epidemic," he said, "It s absolute madness.

"If this thuggery continues then we will kick out the offenders and have a smaller league with only the sporting players and clubs left in it."

The most common complaint is referee bashing which has led to a shortage of match officials for the first games of the new year.

In recent weeks referees have been subjected to threats, abusive language both on the pitch and on the internet and an alleged assault with a corner flag.