An illegal match organiser has been slapped with a £200 fine after community fury over the children's game.

About 30 parents watched their children play the match on Sunday at land near Dukes Head Pub, Laindon Common Road, Billericay and it came under fire from club bosses.

Essex Police initially said no laws or Covid breaches took place at the match but further investigations revealed it was against the rules.

The land is home to Billericay Town Colts and Nick Hutt, 45, Chairman of Billericay Town Colts and co-owner of Billericay Town Football Club slammed the game.

It caused huge fury in the community especially from Mr Hutt and other parents.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were alerted to a football match taking place in Billericay and our officers engaged with some of those involved.

"They provided identification indicating they were part of an elite level football club and the match involved youth and academy players.

"Based on this information officers took a view that this activity was allowed under the regulations on elite sport and no breach of COVID-19 regulations had taken place.

"However, following further enquiries we now believe what officers had initially been told was not the case, the match had not been arranged by an elite level football club, and the match did breach the Government’s regulations.

"We’re now taking enforcement action against those involved and yesterday we have issued a man from Witham a £200 fine.

"Enquiries are ongoing to identify others involved.

"If you have any information about the incident or those involved you can contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"You can also visit https://www.essex.police.uk and use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm."