Two young footballers were taken to hospital suffering from suspected hypothermia after their coach abandoned a league match during freezing weather.

Now their coach Kevin Cullis could be fined and banned by the football authorities - because the referee didn't agree with his decision to pull his under-11 team out of the game.

Kevin, 39, decided to take drastic action when his team, Trinity United, were left out in the cold against Coomberwood.

He claims his goalkeeper collapsed and another player begged his father to take him home because they were freezing and could not continue. They were taken to Basildon Hospital on suspicion of suffering from hypothermia and later released after treatment.

The Thundermite League teams were playing at Bluehouse Junior School in Laindon when the coach called off the players, effectively abandoning the game.

However, referee Richard Ivory did not agree with his actions and has reported him to the Essex Football Association where he will appear for a special hearing.

He could be banned or fined under rules governing the association but he maintains his actions were in the best interest of both teams.

Mr Cullis, of Pound Lane North, Laindon, said: "My team arrived at the ground at 9.20am and the ref did not turn up until almost 10am. By the time the boys went out they were freezing and during the first half parents were very concerned.

I asked the ref to abandon the game in the second half but he said it was his decision.

"We were three-nil down when I approached the opposition coach and told him of my intention to abandon the game. We were quite happy to give him the three points.

"Within minutes of the second half my goalkeeper sank to his knees and started to cry and another sat down with his head in his hands crying to his dad."

Neither the Essex FA nor the referee were available for comment.

On the ball - soccer coach Kevin Cullis faces ban

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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