Josh McKenzie denies punching a referee

A non-league footballer has denied accusations that he punched a referee after being sent off on Saturday afternoon.

The Southern Premier Division game between Redditch United and Chesham United was abandoned after Redditch player Josh McKenzie allegedly struck the match official following his decision.

Redditch have since opted to cancel McKenzie's registration with the club, a decision that McKenzie has branded "very unfair".

"I didn't punch the referee," McKenzie told Sky Sports News. "I pushed his face with an open hand. That was made clear to the police and they went and give me a caution and said it was not enough for an assault.

"[The decision to sack me] is very unfair. They released a statement before they knew the actual facts.

"All the newspapers and radio stations have quoted the club's statement that has made me out to be the man that punched a referee, when I didn't."

McKenzie joined Redditch in 2010.