IPPLEPEN Athletic Football Club was faced with the 'naked truth' when it applied for a club premises certificate.

There were allegations that in the past two years a player had exposed himself during a 'sponsor' match and that on this year's FA Cup Final day a club member streaked naked across the adjacent cricket pitch during a game.

The allegations were made in a letter from objector Mark Guy, who had been involved with the club's junior section for the past eight years, to Teignbridge Licensing Act Sub-committee on Friday.

His letter maintained that both incidents occurred in front of women and children.

'I have also witnessed, and on countless occasions, foul and abusive language used, normally after a "drinking session". Such is their lack of respect for procedure you will find today optics erected, alcohol on site as well as a till to charge their customers.

'Clearly I have very little confidence that an "alcohol licence" is appropriate for this club and I have serious concerns that once drinking on site has been "legalised" there will be countless further incidents,' he wrote. Mr Guy, who was not present at the hearing, concluded by writing that he hoped the committee made the right decision, not only for the village, but to protect the women and children associated with the club.

Applying for the licence, club trustee Peter Alsop admitted there had been a couple of incidents in the past two years which had resulted in the tightening of procedures.

It had been so successful that the club was awarded the Chartered Standard by the Football Association. 'We are a well established football club dating back to 1948/49 and have been in the South Devon League and have a good reputation within the area.

'Because it is a lease field from the parish council we do not have control of the activities of the public that go on to it. 'A club premises certificate will give us control for the sale of alcohol,' he said adding that two events had been held under temporary licence which had been properly conducted. Mr Alsop said it was customary for sports clubs to entertain visiting clubs.

'The main basis of our application is that we wish to control what is happening on site. We have the support of the parish council who own the clubhouse,' he said. Referring to the streaker, he said he had a letter from the cricket umpire who had not seen it, but had become aware of the incident. 'The player did prance naked across the football club. It was an incident that was unacceptable and we had a quick review of our membership rules with the disciplinary procedure, which were implemented,' he said. Questioned by committee chairman, Cllr Ted Hockin, as to whether action was taken, Mr Alsop said it was a lad of 20 who had written a letter of apology. 'He was spoken to, as well as other players, and warned as to their future conduct,' he said. As regards the alleged exposure, Mr Alsop said a player did drop his shorts, but had underpants underneath. 'He said it was a superb goal at the time. On this occasion he had underclothes. I suppose mooning is something of the modern times. 'I am a football referee and at football you can get language. Unfortunately it is part and parcel of the modern day,' stated Mr Alsop, who made it clear that they had people committed to the club to make sure incidents did not occur. The committee granted the application with the club operating hours Monday-Friday 6pm-11.30pm; Saturday 11am-11.30pm; and Sunday 11am-10.30pm, with licensable activities Monday-Friday 6pm-11pm; Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday 11am-10pm; and bank holidays 11am-11pm.