Five off as ref gets knickers in a twist

BATH CITY had five players sent off as an FA Youth Cup tie descended into farce following a row over underpants.

City boss Billy Clark was also dismissed by referee Darren Adie, who ruled players’ underwear breached rules during Newport County’s 6-0 win.

Underwear must be the same colour as the shorts but Bath’s white pants were visible below their black shorts.

“It was all very surreal. I was angry with the officials,” said Bath managing director Paul Williams.

“Rules are rules but the officiating wasn’t what it should have been for a youth cup tie.

“Why didn’t the officials check the colours before the start?

“Every team has to submit a report about the officials to the FA. Let’s just say ours is a very long report.”

Defender Billy Cooper was first to be sent off during the first qualifying round tie at Newport.

Manager Cooper was then punished for dissent and ordered from the dugout, while Ciaran Rogers, Zemell Burton, Ben Bicknell and goalkeeper Lewis Pierre also saw red.