Those opposed to a football club selling alcohol from its clubhouse have been shown the red card.

Bearsted Football Club can now offer booze despite residents slamming the application claiming it infringes their human rights.

At a licensing meeting at Maidstone Town Hall, however, councillors ruled in favour of the venue selling drinks into the evening.

The club, in Honey Lane, Otham, had initially applied for the licence between 8am-9.30pm but councillors granted permission for alcohol sales to start at noon.

Members of Otham Parish Council challenged the 8am start time plus disruption they said would be created for residents and claimed it could create risks for children.

They also objected under Article 8 of the 1998 Human Rights Act under respect for private and family life.

In a letter to licensing officers on behalf of the parish council, parish clerk Teresa Irving said:"Complaints from residents state that their quality of life, and indeed human rights, have already been seriously eroded by the existence of the club in a rural location.

"Residents feel that these new proposals would add to existing problems and become an even more serious vexatious infringement of their rights."

Club chairman Duncan Andrews said the premises would only be used when required for fixtures or club-related events.

He said: “We are not looking to be the next Manchester United or even Maidstone United but we are a club that is well run and totally funded by the generosity of its supporters.

“Now the goalposts have moved on league expectations.”

The licensing bid was part of improvements Bearsted FC is required to complete to allow it to remain in the Kent Invicta League.

Earlier Bearsted FC, which this year celebrates its 120th anniversary, successfully secured a £61,337 grant from the Premier League to improve its ground through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF).

This includes floodlights which can be used on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and seating for 100 fans.

Additional signs warning drivers to check their speed will be installed at the entrance and exits and checks must be carried out to ensure alcohol and glasses are kept within the clubhouse.