A football team have condemned “mindless vandalism” after a brick wall was destroyed and broken glass left on the pitch.

Worthing United has regular problems with “youths” sneaking into their enclosed ground in Lyons Way, Worthing.

Chairman Mark Sanderson discovered a brick wall of the dugout destroyed, glass and stones left on the pitch and rubbish strewn around.

He said the club feel powerless to deal with the vandalism.

The Argus: One of the dugouts at Worthing United Football Club with its wall kicked overOne of the dugouts at Worthing United Football Club with its wall kicked over (Image: Worthing United Football Club)

Mark said: “It’s another example of when these scrotes get in. Usually I catch them up there kicking a football around which I can live with. It’s still frustrating when we’ve seeded the pitch.

“This time it’s just mindless vandalism which is just upsetting and makes me really angry. We have lots of volunteers who spend a lot of time looking after the place.

“When I have caught people up there before they range from early teens to late teens. They’re not adults.

“I normally send some abusive language their way and chase them off.”

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The vandalism is believed to have happened between Sunday evening and Tuesday afternoon.

Mark reported it to Sussex Police last night when he discovered the damage.

He added: “There’s evidence of them just spending time up there drinking and smoking. I could live with that if they left it how they found it but of course that’s not the case.

“A brick wall was destroyed and worse than that, loads of stones and broken glass on the pitch. It’s dangerous when the football season comes back around.

“I spent a couple of hours last night on my hands and knees collecting it all.

“I don’t think there’s anything we can do other than put up 8ft high fencing with barbed wire but I’m sure they’d still find a way in. It’s an awful situation to be in.

“We provide football for hundreds of local boys and girls, part of the philosophy behind that is to give them something to do, something to make them feel worthwhile and exercise. We want to promote that among the local youths.”