I MUST shed some light on the allegations (LET, January 7) by Dave Burgess, of Clitheroe FC, about Ian McGarry of Great Harwood FC over incidents before and during the ATS Trophy game between the two clubs.

I was on the opposite side of the ground to the dug-outs, but could hear "banter" from both camps before the game.

I have been to many non-league grounds, but seldom have I heard such foul and abusive language - not I hasten to add from Mr McGarry - but from a group of approximately 20 Clith- eroe "supporters" in the 'top' corner of the ground.

Even before the game started they were chanting and shouting abuse, mainly directed at Mr McGarry but also at ex-Clitheroe players now playing for Great Harwood.

It continued throughout the game and became more disgusting each time Great Harwood scored or looked like scoring. Mr McGarry has been accused of contributing to an incident "which could have ended up in a court case." This is utter rubbish.

In one of the worst incidents I have witnessed on a football ground, two of the players were trading blows with the referee watching only six-feet away.

The referee did not intervene and still took no action when one of the players butted his opponent.

Mr McGarry, may be no angel, but I agree with his statement that Mr Burgess was prompted to make the allegations because his team were well and truly thrashed (this was not reflected in the scoreline) and it is just a case of sour grapes.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

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