BOURNEMOUTH Football Association president Mike Fowler insists the organisation does not profit from on-field offences, despite claims to the contrary from respondents to the Daily Echo's Red October story last month.

Our story detailed events from Harrington United's M A Hart Pickford Cup third-round clash against Redhill Rangers, which ended up eight-a-side after six players were sent off - five for swearing.

Some reader comments on the Echo's website described the clamping down on foul and abusive language as a "real moneymaker" and "cash cow" for the BFA.

But the claims have been rebuked by Fowler.

In a letter to the Daily Echo, the BFA chief said: "Judging by some of the responses on the Echo website to the Red October article about swearing during local football matches, it looks as though a lot of people don't really know what the score is.

"Contrary to popular belief, the Bournemouth FA does not make a penny out of fines for on-field disciplinary offences.

"All cautions and red cards are dealt with by whichever county association the clubs are affiliated to, so the coffers of the Bournemouth FA will not be benefiting from any increase there may be in the number of red cards issued.

"All matters regarding referees are also dealt with by the county associations."

Fowler went on to explain that the BFA had a "responsibility" to ensure clubs adhered to the laws of the game and the rules of the Association.

The BFA has received a number of complaints from people living near football pitches, who claimed they are offended by the language they have heard when teams are playing there.

Fowler was also keen to point out that the problem could soon become a police matter if swearing is not stamped out in the parks game.

One local community police officer told the BFA he was "pleased" to see the referee had enforced the laws of the game and said "hopefully this will send the correct message to other clubs that swearing in a public place where young children are is not acceptable".

Fowler said a directive from FA chief executive Brian Barwick stated that players, managers, coaches, referees and administrators all had a responsibility to ensure that football is not tarnished by the use, or the acceptance, of offensive language.

The BFA president added: "As an administrator, the Bournemouth FA has expressed its support for this and I would ask all players, managers and supporters of our teams to make a big effort to support it as well.

"It gives me no pleasure whatsoever to hear of players being fined or suspended and the thought of police action being taken or more pitches being lost does not fill me with deep joy either. Let's make sure it doesn't happen."