Adam Mason has labelled the controversial late call-off of their midweek game at Fakenham as “disgusting” and one which could have serious consequences.

The Bloaters were already warming up at Clipbush Park for Tuesday’s night’s Thurlow Nunn Premier fixture when the home players refused to play – a dramatic reaction to turmoil within the club. While the domestic dispute at Fakenham has little relevance for Yarmouth, they certainly felt the side-effects. The official reason given was that the Ghosts could not raise a side, meaning around 60 people – players, officials and supporters – made a wasted journey to north-west Norfolk.

“It’s a struggle for anyone to get a side together, but we managed to get 17 players, some reserve and under-18 lads, but that is what you do, you make it happen” said joint manager Mason. “Some people said to me, ‘be careful, a couple of years ago Yarmouth had a few troubles with players’, but I said as far as I know they always got a side together – plus, that was not on my watch. I wouldn’t have had any sympathy for Yarmouth that time like I have got no sympathy for Fakenham. I think I would describe it as disgusting.”

Fakenham are bottom of the table, with one win in 11 games and, while the league has the power to expel them or deduct points, it is more likely they will be fined and ordered to rearrange the match. Mason believes it is his team who will be disadvantaged.

“If they’d got a side together I suggest we would have beaten them, but if they get a new manager in it could gee them up and they might be better,” he said. “Plus, we are already playing catch-up with games and could do without this.”

Sam Applegate was due to serve his suspension on Tuesday – but now misses tomorrow’s Norfolk Senior Cup tie at home to Aylsham.