Parents upset by pitch 'clash'
THE manager of a Birmingham boys' football team is facing a disciplinary hearing over an alleged confrontation with two 11-year-old players on the pitch during a game.
Andy Cutler, who manages Sutton Coldfield-based Boldmere Falcons U12s, will face league officials accused of upsetting opposition players.
The alleged incident in the Lichfield and District League sparked ugly scenes between parents from both teams.
The allegation centres around the fixture against Four Oaks U12s played in Sutton Coldfield on February 10.
The manager is said to have reacted to two tackles on his players that led to him walking on to treat them and then clashing with opposition players.
An eye witness claimed he called one boy an "animal" before the boy's mother then stormed onto the pitch to hurl abuse at Mr Cutler.
Adult fans and officials from both teams then had to be separated as the clash spilled over onto the touchline.
Parents at the Four Oaks club have written to league bosses who will be holding a disciplinary hearing today which is likely to be referred to the Football Association.
One father, who did not want to be named, claimed: "He just overreacted to bad tackles, but the boys are only 11 years old. There was then a lot of shouting and nastiness from both sets of adults and I stayed out of it because I am there to watch the game.
"Some of the lads looked quite scared by everything that went on and the second lad started crying when the manager said whatever he said to him. As a manager and as adults everybody involved should be setting a good example.
"He did try to apologise after the game to be fair to him, but most of the parents would not accept it."
Mr Cutler told the Birmingham Mail today that he would not comment about the allegations against him, particularly ahead of the hearing.
Chairman of the Boldmere-based club, Bryan Bryant, said: "There are always two sides to a story and we have spoken to our manager.
"We will not comment until it is dealt with by the league and possibly the FA.
"Depending on the outcome of those hearings we will then have our own internal hearings with our disciplinary committee."
Andy Bampton, chairman of Four Oaks Football Club, said: "We have never had any problems with Boldmere in the past and we have a very good relationship with them. But I know some of our parents are very angry and have complained to the league."
A spokesman for the Lichfield and District Recreational League said: "When a serious incident is alleged it is up to the referee to report it to the League and Football Association.
"A hearing has been arranged which will include both clubs and the referee. We would not comment until that disciplinary hearing is completed."
