Police investigating after non-league player pulls knife on fan

A non-league footballer is under investigation by Hertfordshire Police and has been sacked by his club after allegedly brandishing a knife at a fan during a game.

The incident occurred during an Essex Senior League fixture - the ninth tier of football - between Sawbridgeworth and Clapton in Hertfordshire on Saturday.

The match was abandoned after 95 minutes when allegedly the Sawbridgeworth player was spat on by an opposition fan and then retrieved a knife and threatened the Clapton fan.

Sawbridgeworth have sacked the player and say further sanctions may be taken pending the outcome of an FA investigation.

Sawbridgeworth secretary Richard Hogg said in a statement: 'Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club is currently working with Hertfordshire FA and the local police force to investigate an alleged incident at an adult non-league football game at the club's home ground.

"Every week throughout the season, we host football games for players young and old, and the club take all reports of threatening behaviour very seriously.

"In light of the alleged incident and resulting investigation, Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club are terminating the registration of the player involved and ending his relationship with the club with immediate effect.

"Sawbrigeworth Town is as a community club with established links with various segments of the public, and the player concerned will never represent Sawbridgeworth Football Club. Furthermore, he has been given a life ban from the ground.

"Following a thorough investigation of this incident, any individuals found guilty of improper conduct will receive sanctions from the FA that may include an immediate suspension from all football, in addition to a potential criminal charge."

Clapton chief executive Vincent McBean said: "We are trying to get to the root of the matter. We are unaware at the moment even if the fan is a he or a she but once the full facts are known the club along with the relevant football authorities will take whatever action is required.'

In light of the alleged incident and resulting investigation, Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club are terminating the registration of the player involved and ending his relationship with the club with immediate effect.

Hertfordshire FA confirmed they were investigating and said: "Hertfordshire FA is currently working with the local police force to investigate an alleged incident at an adult non-league football game in the County over the weekend.

"There are hundreds of grassroots football games played in Hertfordshire every week, and we take all reports of violent, aggressive and/or threatening behaviour in the county's football community very seriously.

"Following a thorough investigation of this incident, any individuals found guilty of improper conduct will receive sanctions that may include an immediate suspension from all football, in addition to a potential criminal charge.'

Chief Inspector for East Herts, Gerry McDonald said: "We've been made aware by the press of an incident which is alleged to have occurred between a player and a fan at a football match between Sawbridgeworth and Clapton at the ground in Sawbridgeworth on Saturday, March 25.

"No reports have been made to Hertfordshire Constabulary about this matter however, the force has proactively contacted the club to help to establish the circumstances of what happened and a report will be taken from the club. I have appointed an investigating officer and a full investigation will be taking place.

"We have made initial contact with the FA and will be speaking with them further."

All parties declined to name the player due to the ongoing investigations.