IN response to the remakrs of Mr Bill Holden, of Great Harwood FC, (LET, March 26), it was greatly disappointing in these days of equal opportunities that someone who is chairman of a football club -- albeit only Great Harwood -- should state that women should not be involved in football.

It has been proven that women can perform duties as efficiently as men -- if not better in some cases. It appears to me that Mr Holden has built up a biased, chauvinistic and sexist view of lady "assistant referees."

I was present at the game Mr Holden claims his player lifted his arm and shook his head -- have you ever witnessed that on a football pitch before?

It is convenient for Mr Holden that he did not see the alleged elbowing incident for which one of his "better" players was shown the red car. All credit to the female assistant referee for upholding the laws of the game.

The question could be asked that if Mr Holden's player was innocent did the club appeal against the 35-day ban for violent conduct?

If women did not have passion for the game would they turn out week in week out to receive abuse and sexist remarks from people still living in the dark ages of society.

JAMES BARRIE, Burnley Lane, Huncoat.