CWMBRAN Town striker Craig Hughes (pictured) is facing three years out of the game after being banned from every football ground in England and Wales.

League of Wales title-chasers Cwmbran have been told to rip up Hughes' contract immediately by league chief John Deakin.

Hughes, the 23-year-old former Rhayader Town frontman, was charged for running on to the Ninian Park pitch after Cardiff City's memorable FA Cup third round 2-1 win against Premiership giants Leeds United on January 6.

Hughes admitted running on to the field of play at Ninian Park without lawful excuse after the clash and Cardiff magistrates fined him £150, ordered him to pay £55 costs and banned him for three years from every football ground in England and Wales, as a player and a fan, under the 1989 Football Spectators Act.

Town manager Tony Willcox said Hughes was "extremely distressed" by the sentence and was seeking legal advice with a view to appealing against the sentence. However, LoW secretary Deakin said: "We have advised Cwmbran that the player's registration of the League of Wales is cancelled.

"We can confirm that Hughes cannot play in the League of Wales for three years and he cannot play in any league affiliated to the Football Association of Wales because we must adhere to the law of the land just like anyone else."

Hughes has scored 22 goals in all competitions for Town this season, which has helped them to the League Cup semi-final and in with a chance for this year''s League of Wales Championship.

Cwmbran boss Willcox praised Hughes, of Vicarage Road in Ynyshir near Porth, and said: "His behaviour since he joined us in the summer has been impeccable. "He has been a magnificent signing for Cwmbran and Craig is looking for legal advice as he wants to appeal against the sentence. His livelihood has been taken away from him with his decision."

Hughes had been due to play for Cwmbran in their home league clash with Carmarthen Town this afternoon (2pm).