From next season, Horden Colliery Welfare's players and coaches will have to think twice before opening their mouths on the field.

Anyone caught swearing in the Arngrove Northern League Second Division will be immediately given their marching orders as league chiefs try and rid the game of "verbal sewage".

But Norman Stephens, chairman of Horden, says despite his support for the FA-sanctioned scheme, he can see problems with the proposals.

He said: "Some games might not even finish next season because there will be that many players sent off.

"Even the managers on the touchline give it out a lot.

"Our lads are only paid expenses, so if they are sent off it can spoil their weekend because it's also a £40 fine, which seems harsh for an odd word.

"Most of the swearing isn't aimed at anyone but is just frustration, so it will be interesting to see how much referees stick to the blanket ban."

The Welfare Park-based club already has an anti-swearing policy in place, with posters warning spectators and players to think before they speak.

"Sadly, swearing has become more and more part of football and it isn't right, because we want families to come and watch us, and there is nothing worse than seeing children on the sidelines hearing a tirade of bad language," added Norman.

He also believes the ban is starting at the wrong level, with football stars on TV often seen mouthing swear words at referees.

He said: "It seems daft that we are among the first when you see high-profile players clearly swearing.

"They are the role models and the ones kids are watching regularly. If this is to be done it should be across the board and not just individual leagues."

Mike Amos, the Northern League's chairman, says he can see the clampdown working its way up to the top leagues.

He said: "I hope it will be the first step towards reclaiming the game from the foul-mouthed yobs who increasingly are driving good people away from football.

"I'm delighted that the FA has agreed to back us – it could be a momentous day in the history of non-league football.

"There is still a long way to go and a lot to be done but the tide of verbal sewage with which paying spectators are greeted could at last be about to turn."