A Sunday League footballer was sent off - for kissing his girlfriend on the sidelines.

Smitten Vernon Rayner had just scored his first ever hat-trick when he raced over to embrace watching WAG Tabitha Burnham.

But the miserly referee gave Vernon, 34, a second yellow-card for leaving the pitch without permission.

It meant love-struck Vernon, of Goudhurst, Kent, was promptly dismissed after picking up an earlier booking for a foul.

Manager of Winchet Hammers, Chris Courtney, 56, said: “It was a bit uncalled for, to say the least.

“What’s wrong with a bit of romance on the football field.

“He did well to score a hat trick, he deserved a kiss.”

Girlfriend Tabitha also felt it was a bit harsh, she said: “Vernon came running over to the side line and planted a kiss, it was a spur of the moment thing.”

Ref Malcolm Williams, 56, said afterwards: “I do not make the rules, I only apply them.”

•Credit, including photo of English Sunday League Football: Sunday Mirror of London.