A REFEREE is warning men in black are becoming a dying breed after constant abuse forced him to abandon his match eight minutes from time.

The intimidated referee, who refuses to be named for fear of reprisals, said he was blasted with abuse from players and supporters during the Chippenham Sunday League clash between All Cannings and Bradford News at the weekend.

With the scores tied at 3-3 and 82 minutes on the clock, he felt the verbals had stepped over the mark and left the Village Green early.

He said: "I was fed up with the constant abuse directed at me.

"I thought I was having quite a good game. It eventually got to boiling point and I'd had enough, it happens too often. People don't think about what it's like to be a referee out there in the middle on your own."

But All Cannings manager Richard Mansell was shocked when he decided to end the match prematurely and thought he had blown the final whistle.

He said: "The ref walked off the pitch and told me he had enough of taking abuse from players.

"I don't think it was different to any other Sunday league match. The players disagreed with a few of the decisions made but that happens in every game.

"The discipline at our club has been extremely good over past seasons and my players were not being abusive."

The referee made one decision in particular that the players reacted too just before he abandoned the game.

All Cannings midfielder Steve Bush was shown a yellow card for foul and abusive language, the day after being sent off for his Saturday side Pewsey Vale, and the fireworks began.

Mansell explained: "He didn't even swear at the ref, he swore at himself. But a few of the players reacted as did one of the fans and he walked off."

Chairman of the Chippenham Sunday League John Haigh could not comment on the case, as he had not yet received the referees report.

He said: "We do not know what happened on Sunday but will do everything we can to protect our refs.

"If the referee reports that he received a level of abuse then the player or club will be dealt with."

Haigh was also unaware if the 3-3 result will stand, but the league will be holding a meeting soon to discuss the matter.

The referee in question was not scheduled to officiate this Sunday, but is seriously questioning his future in the middle.