THE Morecambe fast bowler who was arrested after allegedly hitting a Blackpool player during a match was left in limbo this week.

Manager at Sainsbury's Farouk Patel will have to wait to find out how the police AND the Vaux Northern Cricket League are going to progress with the case.

The police extended his bail yesterday until Friday, October 1. And the disciplinary committee of the cricket league decided to make further enquiries before they reached a judgement. They will convene again on Thursday, September 9.

Secretary of the league, John Cooper, said other players had since been implicated and the investigation had widened.

Originally it was alleged that Mr Patel struck David Bartholemew in a heated cup semi-final which Morecambe went on to win after a number of verbal exchanges. Mr Bartholemew suffered a broken jaw which was later operated on and he was slightly concussed.

The air ambulance was called to the scene which caused another slanging match between players and officials on both sides. Calling the air ambulance was dubbed 'a huge waste of money' by councillors.

Secretary of the league John Cooper, commented: "Obviously there was a rush to sort this out caused by the amount of publicity. But, in the end, we've got to make certain that we have got all the information.

"A lot more evidence came to light and we are still investigating. A number of players are now involved."

Mr Patel was unavailable for comment yesterday (Wednesday).

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