The Wiltshire FA have defended their hefty punishment served to Corsham Town physio Dean O’Neill and denied claims the club is being victimised.

The 34-year-old has been hit with a 12-game touchline ban and fined £800 after being reported twice this season for foul and abusive gestures and language towards an official.

O’Neill claims the punishment is excessive but the county associaton feel their actions are fully justified and say they are sending a message that threatening behaviour cannot be tolerated.

“This is his fifth serious misconduct charge in just two seasons,” said Wiltshire FA discipline secretary Mark Edmonds.

“Hopefully it will get through that these actions cannot be tolerated. They are a disease which are infecting the sport.

“Mr O’Neill had every opportunity to request a personal hearing and attend.”

However O’Neill, a married father of five from Swindon, disputes the claim and says the Wiltshire FA refused to accomodate his unsociable working hours, choosing instead to find him guilty before he was able to defend himself.

He feels he is being singled out for his loyalty to Corsham Town manager Mel Gingell, who was previously sacked as Wiltshire Under 18s boss.

O’Neill worked as a goalkeeping coach for the county youth side and feels he would not be dealt with as severely if not for his association with the Southbank chief, who was banned for 22 games last season for similar charges of dissent towards officials.

“I tried to attend a hearing but couldn’t make the first date as I do a lot of work for the Ministy of Defence in Portsmouth,” he said. “When I couldn’t make the second date for similar reasons they said it was my fault and they would hold the hearing without me.

“I realise I’ve done something wrong, I am not disputing that, but the punishment is excessive. It is the club’s responsibility to pay the fine but they don’t have any money, they can’t even pay their players.

“The FA have also refused my request to pay in installements. They are penalising me because of my allegiance to Mel and his history with the Wiltshire FA.”

The recent fine relates to incidents against Sherborne and Ilfracombe Town in the Toolstation Premier League, each of which earned a six game ban and £400 fine.

In the Ilfracombe incident on February 14 O’Neill swore at the referee after the Corsham goalkeeper Nick Gingell was sent off after an Ilfracombe player broke his leg and the game had to be delayed for 23 minutes.

Edmonds said: “The Wiltshire FA do not victimise,” “My commission dealt with the incidents in a fair manner.”

The Wiltshire Times understands Corsham Town could now be charged with failing to control O’Neill which could see them hit with a further fine. A hearing will now take place to decide how the fine will be paid and to discuss any further action to be taken against Corsham.