There have been claims the referee was attacked as he walked off the pitch after a controversial game in which he issued 12 yellow cards and four red.

Police were then called to disorder outside Ossett Albion's Dimple Well ground shortly after 5pm.

The police helicopter had to be mobilised and one man was arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct after reports of fighting.

Kit Walton from Halifax Town Supporters Club said: "I was in the pub after the match and could hear police cars racing about and the police blocked off the roads around the ground."

Inside the ground the 860-strong crowd were unhappy with the performance of referee James Hermuzzi.

Both clubs will have to issue reports to West Riding County Football Association to give their version of events.

It will then be up to the FA to decide if an investigation is warranted.

Ossett Albion club secretary Andy Lightfoot said: "The referee was punched and kicked as he was coming off the pitch, but he was not injured and he was happy with the level of protection he was given."

He denied reports that a bottle had been thrown at the referee, and said the only thing thrown onto the pitch was a bag of sweets that landed 20 yards from the keeper.

He added: "Several Halifax Town fans tried to attack one of our players after he had been sent off, but the stewards acted quickly enough to prevent anything happening."

He said the matter would be reported to the football association. And he praised Nigel Jemson, in his first match in charge of Halifax Town.
"Nigel Jemson was absolutely superb and he came out and spoke to the supporters afterwards."

A police spokesman said: "Officers were called to reports of disorder at Sandholme Drive, Ossett, shortly after 5pm.

"One man was arrested for being drunk and disorderly."

There were suggestions that supporters of other clubs, including Leeds United and Huddersfield Town, living in the Ossett area had gone on internet message boards before the game to arrange to meet up with visiting Halifax fans.

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