A disabled referee has slammed disgraced England manager Glenn Hoddle and called for him to quit.

Richard Saunders, of East Bergholt, who has officiated at top games across the country, including a cup tie between Manchester United and Arsenal, has misshapen hands and short arms.

He is in no doubt Hoddle should resign over his comments suggesting disabled people were being punished for misdemeanours in a previous life.

He said: "I think he ought to go. He has dropped a major clanger and not for the first time. The man has shot himself in the foot before.

"If they saw those comments, a lot of disabled people would be offended.

"It is offensive, in particular to the youngsters who may idolise him. It could destroy them."

Despite his disability, Mr Saunders, who works as a fund-holding manager at a Colchester doctor's surgery, became a well-respected referee but has since retired.

He added: "Some disabled people are extremely intelligent and to make sweeping statements like that is totally out of order."

"I beg the question what would have happened if it had been a racist comment."

Hoddle caused a storm of controversy after he reportedly said disabled people were being punished for sins in a former life.

Hoddle has refused to quit and was due to meet with Football Association bosses today to explain his comments.

An announcement on his future is due to be made at around tea-time today.

Hoddle: Under fire

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.