Wheatsheaf resign from Sunday League

League secretary Robin Powell said the club had "jumped before they were pushed" after they admitted locking referee Neil Ager in the changing rooms after losing a Demarco Cup match against Oddfellows.

Wheatsheaf were fined 200 by the Sussex FA and were hit by a similar sum from the league.

They have also been charged for playing three games while suspended, but Wheatsheaf secretary Mark Carey claimed the club had been victimised by the league.

He said: "We deserved the fine for the referee incident but they also fined us heavily for playing while suspended, despite the County FA reducing it considerably due to our circumstances.

"Ever since the referee incident we don t seem to have any leeway and are being treated differently to other clubs so we decided to leave before it got any worse."

Under league rules Wheatsheaf cannot reapply for membership for three years. Players at the club are allowed to join other teams once all outstanding debts have been paid.

Wheatsheaf s record has been expunged and the league table amended.