THE Wiltshire FA is threatening to increase fines and suspensions to clamp down on the rising levels of abuse faced by match officials.

Last season 560 red cards and 3,500 bookings were reported to the county FA, with 100 players receiving five cautions and a further 11 collecting 10.

This was a rise on the previous year's figures, but while incidents of serious foul play have dropped, county officials say the number of cards stemming from abuse of officials is getting ever higher.

These statistics only refer to action taken against players and coaches and Wiltshire FA has also identified a growing problem with spectators' behaviour.

Officials will meet this summer to consider how best they can get tough on offenders.

Wiltshire FA secretary Mike Benson said: "We are determined to stop this problem. If it means that we have to up the fines and suspensions then so be it.

"The national FA is naturally concerned, as we are as a county, that the disciplinary records are on the rise. This is particularly the case for foul and abusive language and abuse of match officials.

"It is quite interesting that serious foul play, such as bad tackles, seems to be lessening.

"We also have a problem in youth and minor football where many parents have become abusive to officials and even other players."

Fines and suspensions are set out in the county FA handbook each season and some are likely to rise for next year.

The current levels range from a seven-day ban and £10 fine for five cautions to a permanent suspension for causing serious bodily harm to a match official.

Outgoing Wiltshire FA discipline secretary Malcolm Baldwin said: "The lengthy suspensions and severe fines imposed on clubs, officials and players during the past season do not seem to have any effect on their attitudes towards match officials.

"During the season we have unfortunately experienced four assaults on match officials. This comes after a period of two years with no such offences."

In cases like this the offenders are usually prosecuted in the criminal courts on top of any action taken by the county FA.

The set penalty for common assault on match officials, which includes spitting at them, is currently a 182-day ban and a £150 fine.