We all know how passionate many people are about football.

But there can be no excuse for the behaviour which allegedly occurred in the Oxford Mail Boys League game between Leys Unity and Childrey Challengers.

According to eyewitnesses, two players were involved in an altercation, and a linesman who stepped in was knocked to the ground as other players joined the fracas.

The game was abandoned and now the Oxfordshire Football Association is investigating.

It is sad that our national game is being scarred at all levels by violent conduct.

We see it almost every weekend in the Premiership where grossly overpaid players use dubious tactics to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents.

It is little wonder, when their behaviour receives such prominent exposure in the media, that it should filter occasionally to boys football.

Thankfully, the vast majority of games in the Oxford Mail Boys League are played in the right spirit.

Shame on the few who drag its deservedly excellent reputation through the mud.