Sutton United's Wayne Shaw has been released from his position as a player and coach following his altercation with fans prior to the Surrey County Cup clash with Kingstonian on Tuesday night.

After being subjected to alleged verbal abuse, Shaw climbed over the hoardings surrounding the pitch and confronted Ks fans on the terraces.

Shaw admitted that a skirmish broke out, but neither club has reported the incident to the police.

However, United chairman Bruce Elliott admitted there was little option but to terminate Shaw's position with the club.

Shaw told the Surrey Comet: "I fully support the board's decision and I am sorry that it has ended this way.

"Worst of all I feel like I have let Paul [Doswell] down when he needed my support more than ever.

"He has been brilliant to me, and that hurts me more than anything else."

He added: "I will take stock over Christmas, talk with my family and then hopefully another club will be able to make use of my experience.

"I've loved my time at United, and I wish them every success."

Elliott said: "You would not want to meet a nicer man in non-League football, and both sides involved in the incident need to take a good look at themselves.

"What gives fans the right to throw abuse at a man just because they are in a football ground?"

He added: "It is with a heavy heart that we have released Wayne from his position at the club."

Prior to the announcement being made, Shaw wrote on the United forum: "The board will make an announcement today [Thursday] regarding the decision they have made following Tuesday's game with the K's.

"May I take this opportunity to apologise to all concerned for my actions on Tuesday evening. I have talked, listened, thought and read the posts regarding the incident that occurred.

"Now everyone that knows me will know I can laugh at myself as well as taking banter and giving it.

"So for the record calling someone a fat **** , are you the fitness coach and laughing in your face BANTER I find not acceptable in today's society, please correct me if I'm wrong in any walk of life if say this to someone you have got to fear a backlash and that was what this was.

"The fuse was definitely lit. Thanks for your support during my time at your club all the best Shawie.:-((((("

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Between the sticks: Shaw in action for Sutton United last season