GRAYS ATHLETIC: GRAYS stopper Lamar Johnson says he doesn’t know what the future holds after he failed to overturn a one-year footballing ban.

Johnson appealed to the FA after he was suspended from all ‘footballing activity’ until January 1, 2015, and was fined £550 for an incident after a Ryman Premier League match against Bury Town last September.

The governing body said Johnson breached FA Rule E3, which says he was in or around the tunnel area after the end of the fixture and exhibited violent conduct and/or threatening behaviour.

The Gazette understands he overturned tables and smashed a glass after a conversation with a Bury player following a 4-3 win.

His appeal was thrown out on Monday.

The Gazette spoke to the Grays goalkeeper after the decision and he said was frustrated with the ruling and didn’t know what the future held.

“Both players left the incident with a cut above the eye, but one gets four games the other gets 12 months – you do the maths,”he said.

“I am not sure what I will do when I can play again.

“I have still have another nine months to go, but it will be hard enough forcing my way back into the starting line-up. “It is all a long way away to be honest. I will see at the time but, at the moment, it all seems long and pointless.

“I thought I couldn’t go without football.

“But if I can go a year without football it might mean I don’t need it after all.”

Johnson will remain at Grays Athletic in a dual scouting and coaching role until he is eligible for selection once again. He will work with the club’s goalkeepers at all age levels.

The club declined to comment further.

l In other news former coach Hassan Oktay has returned to the club in a senior coaching role.

Oktay – a UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach – was the assistant manager to Hakan Hayrettin before leaving 12 months ago. He has returned from Banbury FC, who play in the Calor League.

He will work with the senior team and the Blues under-18 team.