Football games in Northern League watched for swearing

Officials are trying to stamp out excessive use of bad language by players and staff of minor league football teams in the north of England.

The Northern League has recruited a dozen "secret shoppers" to tour grounds and "name and shame" the worst offenders.

League chairman Mike Amos said families, especially those with young children, were shunning games in increasing numbers because of foul language on the pitch.

He said persistent offenders would be fined and even expelled from the league.