MARIE Green is "delighted" that her complaint about amateur footballers' swearing has prompted a crackdown - one which led to five players being sent off in one match.

She was featured in the Echo in September after she tried to talk managers into keeping their players' language in check on Branksome Recreation Ground in Bournemouth.

Bournemouth FA sent out a message to referees to stamp out swearing and a recent game between Harrington United and Redhill Rangers at King George V playing field saw five players sent off.

Marie, 59, a retired Poole Hospital nurse, said: "I'm delighted they have taken action.

"The language has generally improved since I complained.

"Everyone was supportive apart from one person who put a Jiffy bag with ear plugs in it through my door."

Darren Hills, Bournemouth FA's assistant secretary, said a reminder had gone out prompted by Mrs Green's complaints.

Mike Fowler, president of Bournemouth FA, said: "We have backed this national FA campaign to stamp out swearing in football for the very reason that lady complained.

"People who live near grounds do not want to live near people abusing each other. People don't really want that sort of thing going on."

He said if swearing continued it could lead to the FA not being allowed to use pitches, and he said players suspended for swearing were doing no good for their teams.

He said he had a letter from a Police Community Support Officer saying if referees dealt with the matter it stopped the police having to consider using £80 fines.

"People need to understand why we are trying to do this," said Mr Fowler. "And we can only apologise unreservedly to people like Mrs Green."