AMATEUR footballers in East Lancashire were today warned they would be banned from council football pitches if they didn't stop swearing.

Council bosses are working with referees to stamp out foul language following complaints from people using Blackburn with Darwen's parks -- and a Pendle Council officer said they may follow suit.

However, a Burnley Borough Council spokesman said it was up to the referees to stamp out foul language on the pitches.

Teachers unions -- calling for professionals to ditch swearing on the field because pupils are copying their idols -- today backed the council's stance, as did referees.

The move comes after complaints from people using Pleasington playing fields, Blackburn, and Blacksnape Playing Fields, Darwen, who said the 'strong language' drifting on the wind from football matches was upsetting.

Coun Dorothy Walsh, executive member for culture, leisure and sport at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Our parks are for everyone to enjoy and foul language from footballers won't be tolerated. If it happens again and again the offending teams will be banned. It is the only way."

Pendle Borough Council's sports and recreation officer Joseph Cooney said: "It concerns us when people are swearing in parks and open spaces and you've got kids and families around, but as yet we have no official policy.

"Blackburn with Darwen's policy is probably something we will look at."

But a Burnley council spokesman said: "This is not something we would get involved in. It is a matter for referees to enforce the regulations and deal with anything regarded as ungentlemanly conduct."

Neil Yates, from Blackburn Referees Association, said: "Bad language is a problem and Blackburn council's stance is welcome.

Repeat offenders would find themselves investigated by the Lancashire Football Association, but the council's line should help focus minds.

"People walking through Pleasington to lay flowers at the cemetery have a right not to hear swearing."

John Heap, Ribble Valley Council's director of community services, said: "We don't have a policy banning swearing on football pitches, but rules of any tournament we organise for young people say foul or abusive language will not be tolerated."

Hyndburn Council said it had not received complaints.