A FOOTBALL club which has gained national attention for its eye catching kits says it has effectively been banned from wearing its latest “bangers and mash” strip by the sport’s governing body.

It emerged last week that the Football Association was looking into whether or not the Bedale AFC sausage kit, which is sponsored by Heck Food, conforms to rules on advertising.

The kits, which also raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and display the charity’s logo, were temporarily suspended for use in all friendly and league games, and club says it has now has confirmation they are in breach of the rules.

Clause C2 of the FA Kit and Advertising Regulations states that the maximum permitted size of sponsorship on the front of a shirt is 250 square centimetres.

It is understood that whilst the Heck logo conforms to the permitted size of advertising, because it is accompanied by images of products the company sells, it classed as being in breach of the rules – even though Heck does not sell mashed potatoes or mushy peas.

Bedale AFC has been advised that the FA reserves the right to apply the regulations, if the strip is worn in matches.

Club chairman and treasurer Martyn Coombs said: “In my conversation with the Football Association, they were very supportive of the work we do to raise money for Prostate Cancer but, if we accept that the background of sausages, mashed potato and mushy peas is an extension of the products Heck Food sell, then we are in breach of their regulations and we are banned from wearing the kit in any matches.

“I understand there have to be regulations about shirt advertising and I was very surprised when the FA got involved. "Heck is a food brand that promotes fitness and healthy eating compared to Championship side Derby County whose betting company 32RED shirt advertising, with Wayne Rooney being given the number 32 shirt, encourages gambling and debt, putting young people at risk. It does seem a strange juxtaposition.

“I do sympathise with the FA’s dilemma and they have been very open and supportive towards Bedale AFC but I think they have far better things to do than to hide in the bushes to see if Bedale AFC are wearing the ‘bangers and mash’ kit, so we do not envisage any further action from them. Whilst we are disappointed in the findings of the Football Association, we do accept their judgement with good grace and hope next season’s kit doesn’t infringe their rules and regulations.”

The FA did not want to directly comment on the issue when contacted by The Northern Echo.