A Dorset Echo staff photographer has claimed he was knocked to the ground by a visiting team official after Weymouth were knocked out of the FA Trophy.

A member of Southport FC’s backroom staff allegedly knocked Finnbarr Webster over after Saturday’s match at the Wessex Stadium.

The story, and a picture, made the paper’s front page.

Finbarr said the Southport official rounded on him as he tried to take pictures of an altercation between Southport officials and Weymouth fans.

He said: “Three Southport officials didn’t like comments which seemed to be made to them from the crowd. Some of the Southport bench climbed over the barrier to get to the crowd and confront one of them.

“There was swearing and threatening language, during which I was taking pictures.

“I was starting to photograph the incident when my camera was grabbed by a Southport official.

“There was pushing and threatening and as I’m not one for sitting back I shoved back whilst explaining in my best English what I thought of him.

“I continued to photograph the rest of the incident – and I have made a complaint to the FA.”

The incident followed a bad-tempered match in which eight players were booked.

It was also alleged that in the melee a Weymouth fan spat at the Southport manager – former England international Mark Wright.

A Southport spokesman told HoldTheFrontPage there was “no comment” on the story.

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