THE Hampshire FA are ready to crack down hard on grass-roots "thugs" after an alarming rise in local league indiscipline.

Even though we're barely two months into the amateur league season, already:

The Hampshire FA have seen 18 matches featuring their affiliated clubs abandoned. Last season it took them until Christmas to reach that figure.

There have already been 16 assaults on referees.

Seventeen cautions reported by referees have been upgraded to red card offences by the county's discipline department.

AFC Lordshill, who play in the City of Southampton Sunday League, have had their affiliation suspended pending a a full discipline enquiry.

The club recently had FOUR players sent off during a 5-0 defeat against SAS Maybush.

Portsmouth-based outfit Hilsea Respray Centre were also temporarily suspended, but are now allowed to continue playing again.

Hilsea had three players sent off during a match against Rampton which was abandoned due to misconduct by club members and spectators.

Not one single club had their affiliation suspended during the 2002-2003 season.

Hampshire FA Chief Executive Laurence Jones, pictured left, insisted: "We will not tolerate thuggish behaviour whatsoever.

"We will act swiftly and strongly on offenders, and repeated offenders will find they have no part to play in recreational football.

"We have a duty to the players and teams who want to enjoy their football.

"A small number of louts are in danger of driving away referees and excellent clubs. We will not let this happen."

Jones said the county are prepared to withdraw any club's affiliation completely due to indiscipline.

If this happens, a restriction will be implemented allowing only a small number of the players to transfer to other clubs.

Players will also be liable for fines incurred by their club.

If clubs are issued with fines, the players will have to make sure these fines are completely cleared - otherwise they could find themselves on suspension.

The Hampshire FA have sent out a letter to all member clubs reminding them of their responsibilities.

They have been warned that continued abuse of match officials will result in even fewer referees.

The Daily Echo reported last season how the county are seriously short of men in black.