Lino banned

Neil Yates, who ran the line in the dreadful performance at Blackpool was yesterday told that he will no longer take part in any matches that involve Doncaster Rovers and Blackpool.

Yates, made several derogatory comments about both sets of supporters on a Burnley message board, hours after the game had finished. He describes Blackpool as a team of 'donkey lashers'.

Jim Ashworth, from the Football League's said:

It was treated very seriously because we expect our officials to maintain a certain standard both on and off the pitch and we don't take matters like this lightly,' said Ashworth.

'Because this was Mr Yates's first known offence, the FA compliance department treated it like a manager who steps out of line. They therefore decided that a warning was sufficient but they made it a strong warning.

'During the investigation, Mr Yates lost two appointments because it wouldn't have been right for him to run the line at any other game while this was hanging over him.

'I also personally sent him a letter making it quite clear that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable, but that nevertheless it was time to move on.

'I can confirm that in the interest of both clubs Mr Yates will not be appointed at any matches involving Blackpool and Doncaster for the foreseeable future.'

Yates has written a personal letter of apology to both clubs.

To read the comments that Mr Yates posted, click here.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.