The chief executive of the Cumberland Football Association says they are concerned about the amount of “abuse” at matches.

Ben Snowdon used a Christmas message to call for an end to the sort of behaviour he described as unacceptable.

He said the county FA continues to hear of incidents of abuse and called on everyone in Cumbrian football to back their bid to stamp it out.

“We are concerned about the standards in behaviour,” he said.

“We continue to receive reports of abuse from matches and believe that is time to say enough is enough to those who demonstrate this unacceptable behaviour.

“In January we will ask you all to make a New Year’s Resolution to support us as we increase our efforts in sending a clear message that the health and future of football depends upon us all taking responsibility and ensuring that high standards of behaviour are demonstrated both on and off the pitch.”

Snowdon stressed that the behaviour of the “large majority” of those playing and watching was positive.

He has also, meanwhile, announced that the Cumberland FA are to take steps to help those facing the financial cost of keeping the grassroots game going.

He said that, in light of the “current economic situation the country is facing…”, the county FA plan to launch a package to support junior clubs, similar to their current adult club support package.

“We also plan to remove all late fines and to look at working closer with funding partners to support clubs and individuals who may require assistance in the future to ensure they can continue to develop the game in their local vicinity,” he said.

Snowdon used his Christmas message on the Cumberland FA website to pay tribute to two major characters in the local game who died this year – John Twentyman and Fred Conway who, he said, “leave behind a huge chasm of knowledge and character.”

And he sang the praises of the grassroots game, including the committees involved in running clubs and leagues, welfare officers and advocates, and referees.

He added: “I am under no illusion of the problems facing grassroots football and that addressing these issues will not be easy, [but] I have to believe there is more good, than bad in the football world.

“I must keep reminding myself of all the good things we achieve together and what the power of football fundamentally means to me.”