WEST RIDING FA officials have banned East Bowling Unity from County Cup competitions for five years following incidents at the recent Charity Shield match against Silsden.

Officials of the County Cup committee refused to accept East Bowling's application to take part in this year's competition and added: "Furthermore it was decided that no further application to take part in any County FA Cup competition would be considered for a period of five years from 2002-03."

Roy Carter, secretary of the County FA said the decision followed a series of incidents before, during and after the game held at Cougar Park on August 9.

"The officials of Keighley FA and Keighley Cougars ahad done a superb job in making arrangements for the game and members of the FA were very disappointed at the attitude of East Bowling Unity's players and officials," he said.

Trouble started even before kick-off when the teams were asked to walk onto the pitch behind match officials. Unity ignored the request and during the game complained about officials after one of their players was sent off.

It was also felt they had not followed the spirit of the game during the presentation ceremony after the game. "Offickals hope it will act as a warning to other clubs," Mr Carter said.