Bitton awaiting FA Vase fate after 'mass brawl' abandons match at Moneyfields

Bitton are this morning awaiting The FA's verdict on their FA Vase fate following the abandonment of Saturday's third-round tie at Portsmouth outfit Moneyfields. Referee M Hayden called the game to a premature halt ten minutes into extra time after reports off a mass brawl involving players and spectators. Bitton manager Paul Britton said the club are expecting to be told of the FA's decision on the game today, which could result in both teams being thrown out of the competition. "There was a challenge and it did look quite a bad one from where we were. When their player got up he walked all over our player, you could still see the marks from his boots after," said Britton. "It just reacted from there and unfortunately it just turned into a mass brawl. "Worst case scenario is that we both get knocked out, and second worst is that we have to go back down there. "From our point of view we'd loved them to see it as a 1-1 draw and have a replay at our place, but I am not sure that is likely."

Competitive game against @BittonAFC today but nothing nawtee. Just two teams giving their all. #passion#replaythegame#imo

— Moneys FC (@MoneysFC) December 7, 2013

@browned81@MoneysFC The referee had already stated that he would not be available for the replay. Let's just hope that there is a replay.

— BittonAFC© (@BittonAFC) December 7, 2013

Britton said the brawl quickly died down and that the police were not called but added that the actions of the Moneyfields supporters had not helped the incident. "It was calmed down pretty quickly and the players were keen to get on with it but I think the referee abandoned the game because of his own safety," said Britton. "The players all went into the bar after the game to have their food and there was no problem between the teams but their supporters were very threatening and abusive. "We went there fully aware of what to expect. "We did our research on them and I spoke to Odd Down manager Terry Moore before the game and he told me they were an intimidating team and it would be an intimidating atmosphere. "It was a very competitive game and no one was holding back. They had a player sent off in the first 20 minutes but there could have been a few more after that as well. "The referee had to deal with a very difficult game. He didn't get a lot of help from his assistants and I have absolute no axe to grind with him. He did a good job in the situation he was in." Moneyfields boss Miles Rutherford told Portsmouth's The News he would be disappointed if his side were thrown out of the competition. "It was no more than handbags but the referee abandoned the game," said Rutherford. "It is a nightmare. "If we get kicked out of the FA Vase for this then you have to start questioning what is the point."

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