Porthleven manager Kev Richards has criticised the appointment of 17 year old referee Ollie Ingall for Monday’s SWPL Division 1 West game against Sticker, in which four players were sent off following a goalmouth free-for-all.

The teenager took charge of his first senior match and could hardly have wished for a tougher assignment, as a mass brawl broke out just before half time.

Kev said: “I’m all for youngsters coming through as referees, but if they are not capable, they should not be doing it at that level.

“As a player I earned my stripes playing junior football before I had chance to step up to senior level. Referees should do the same.”

Following the melee, Ingall consulted with both linesmen, who were officials from the respective clubs, before sending off Rob Carey and Frank McAvoy. He also showed Heydon Dark a second yellow card, having earlier booked him for a late tackle.

In the second half, Dan Hindmarch also received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, when he collided with keeper Kai Stone.

“We will be appealing Rob Carey’s red card, because the photographic evidence shows that he did not throw a punch. Heydon Dark was not even involved in the initial incident, so I’ve no idea why he was booked,” said Kev.

“The referee can’t have seen what happened, so in my opinion he should have called over the captains and managers and said that if there were any further problems, he would send players off. Instead, he made decisions that were embarrassing.”

If the suspensions to three of his key players come through next week, Port could face a desperate shortage for their Senior Cup tie at Holmans, as Luke Hunter and Kyle Marks will also be cup-tied.