FOOTBALL chiefs have launched an investigation after a game was abandoned following reports a furious player assaulted a referee.

The Essex FA is looking into claims Basildon United’s game at Sporting Bengal United was called off after Bees midfielder Harry Chalk had to be restrained by teammates after initially shoving referee David Gainsford.

The official is then said to have run off of the pitch before calling off the Essex Senior League game shortly after half-time at the Mile End Stadium in East London on Saturday.

A Basildon spokesman said it was a serious matter and that the club would be making an apology to league officials and to Mr Gainsford.

He added: “According to FA rules, a player has an automatic ban for assaulting a referee, therefore he won’t be included in the Basildon team to face Clapton on Tuesday night.

“We anticipate he, like others before him who have assaulted referees, will probably get a nine-month ban.”

Basildon supporter Neil Hunwicks, who watched the game, said the incident was sparked after Mr Gainsford stopped the game for a foul by the player, who signed for the club earlier this month from Barkingside.

He said: “The referee called him over and the player just flew at him.

“The referee was taking a couple of steps back and he went towards him and shoved him in the chest.

“Then quite a few of the Basildon players dived in to stop him and he’s ripped the shirt off his back and chucked it on the floor.

“And then he went for the ref again and it took three or four of the lads to hold him back.

“The linesman then came on and the referee ran off the pitch and down the tunnel and did not come out again.”

Mr Hunwicks said it was not a bad-tempered game, although Basildon’s Vinny Murphy had already been sent off midway through the first half.

Essex Senior League chairman Rob Errington said he received reports a referee had been “physically attacked”, and added the matter is now being investigated the Essex FA.

He explained the game could be replayed, or a win could be awarded to Sporting Bengal if it is proved the abandonment was Basildon’s fault.

Essex FA spokesman Chris Evans said: "“We have received misconduct reports from the match officials pertaining to the Sporting Bengal United versus Basildon United fixture.

"The Basildon case will now progress through our usual disciplinary process.”

The incident caps a difficult campaign for the Bees who are bottom of the league and on their second manager of the season after Chris Wood replaced Paul Larke, who quit in October.