A few football clubs always seem to be in the news. Some, like Barcelona, make the headlines for success. While others like Leeds United and the fictional Harchester United from Sky One’s drama Dream Team are in the news because everything that can go wrong does go wrong.

This year Bath City have been in the news a lot. OK, not as much as some clubs like Manchester United – although I am sure if one of our players shagged his sister-in-law, attempted to keep it a secret, only for it all revealed on Twitter, I think there may be even more attention on the Twerton Park side.

No, Bath City have certainly had themselves in the spotlight this year. Back in March they caused fury with Daily Mail readers for giving Polish people a discount on a matchday ticket for a game against Grimsby. In the summer they attracted media attention by appointing a female chairman, causing further rage amongst Daily Mail readers (until they found out she was British born and bred).

Now they are in the news again. Yesterday there was controversy involving the Under-18’s side after five players and the manager were sent off in a Youth Cup tie with Newport County. Apparently the referee didn’t like the colour of two of City’s players’ pants and forced them to change. The problem being they were asked to do this in front of almost 150 fans. This may sound like something an elderly PE teacher would have done back in the 1970’s – nope, it was a modern day referee in the year 2011.

Bath City lost the game 6-0. They plan to appeal, presumably asking for the game to be replayed. Should they win their appeal, hopefully a referee with a shred of common sense will be put in charge; or maybe he would like to take the teenagers underwear shopping before the match?

Oh, and finally, before anyone makes any jokes about Bath City having a “pants season” I’ve heard them.