A linesman was attacked by a spectator for raising an offside flag during a youth team football match.

The official was punched on the shoulder after he signalled a Mile Oak Colts player had strayed offside in a game against Hove Park Colts in Hangleton.

With the score at 1-1, the referee ordered the under-11s game to be abandoned after the second-half incident at West Blatchington Junior School on Sunday.

The assault was reported to police but no action has been taken.

Neill Hurley, chairman of Mile Oak Colts, said the spectator involved in Sunday's incident had been banned for life from attending future home games.

The club was carrying out an internal investigation to decide whetherfurther action was necessary.

Mr Hurley said: "I understand the spectator has written an apology to both the linesman and the club but he has received a life ban nevertheless.

"I have been chairman here for five years and this is the first time an incident like this has occurred."

Ken Benham, chief executive of Sussex Football Association, said he had not yet received a report from the match officials.

He said: "We know about an alleged assault and we are investigating."

It is the second occasion in three weeks a spectator at a Hove Park Colts game has been involved in a violent incident.

Last month an adult was accused of going on the pitch aand punching a 13-year-old Hove Park player in the face.

Alan Hatherillo, secretary of Hove Park Colts, said: "This has nothing to do with The Argus."