Mr Cranston said he suffered verbal abuse and threats in an incident he described as the worst he had ever experienced.

The row, on Sunday, was sparked by a player from Welfare team Burton Albion after opponents Bank Street Athletic scored a controversial equaliser in the Tayside Amateur Cup semi-final.

“The player just lost the plot and it flared up way beyond what it should have,” Mr Cranston said today.

“When it comes to getting physically threatened that’s when I say enough’s enough.

“I’ll still referee in the Sunday morning league but I’m not doing any more Welfare games.”

The controversy came just days after junior referee Terry Brunton was allegedly assaulted after a match between North End and Elmwood.

Tayside Police say a 45-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident.

A report is being sent to the procurator fiscal.