A footballer has been banned for SEVEN years by FA bosses over claims he wiped spit on a referee’s back.

Jake Schofield, 15, was reported to Manchester FA for spitting on his hand and wiping it on the official at the end of a game between his side Moston Valley and Failsworth West Juniors.

The Manchester Communication Academy pupil was stunned to later find out he had been banned until August 2021.

But after being contacted by the M.E.N., bosses at governing body Manchester FA said it would launch an investigation into the decision.

Jake, of Bedfont Walk, Harpurhey, denies the incident and said the ref misunderstood his actions at the final whistle.

He said: “We’d had a few words during the game and at the final whistle I didn’t really want to shake his hand but my manager told me to go and do it.

“As I walked over I spat on the floor which I admit disrespected him and he said he wouldn’t shake my hand as I’d just spat on it. I told him I hadn’t and as he turned away I patted him on the shoulder.”

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Centre-back Jake has played junior football since the age of five with a clean disciplinary record. He was suspended three weeks after the incident on April 1.

He was found guilty of assault on a match official and improper conduct against a match official.

Jake added: “The length of the punishment is well over the top when you compare it to the ban Suarez got for biting or Raul Meireles (banned for 11 games for spitting at a referee while playing for Turkish side Fenerbache) got.”

The notice of the suspension on the Manchester FA website states Jake is banned from all football activities, including management, for 2562 days until August 8, 2021.

But Manchester FA chief executive Colin Bridgford said the sanction would now be reviewed, pending an appeal request from Jake.

He said: “Clearly, this is a case that needs to be investigated in terms of the charge, the process, the panel and the sanction.

“It does not appear to be in line with other cases in terms of consistency or fairness.”

The M.E.N. tried to contact Manchester FA’s discipline officer but understands she has taken long-term leave since the decision was made.

The maximum penalty for assault on a match official in junior football is a lifetime ban. However it is thought the charge could be reduced to improper conduct against a match official on appeal, which carries a maximum suspension of 10 games.

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