Cryptic crossword clue
Sports field in service, or put out of action? 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word RECUSED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
E
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "put out of action" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case put out of action = recused.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does RECUSED mean?

RECUSED verb
  1. To refuse or reject (a judge); to declare that the judge shall not try the case or is disqualified from acting.
  2. (of a judge) To refuse to act as a judge; to declare oneself disqualified from acting.

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