AFC Rushden & Diamonds’ game at Coventry Sphinx was abandoned on Saturday after sexist abuse was allegedly aimed at a female referee, both non-league clubs said.
A comment of a sexist nature was allegedly directed toward the female match official towards the end of the first half.
Following the abandonment of the game, Rushden & Diamonds released the following statement: ‘AFC Rushden & Diamonds can confirm that today’s fixture at Coventry Sphinx was postponed at half-time.
‘A comment of a sexist nature was allegedly directed toward the female match official towards the end of the first half.
‘Attempts to identify the individual were unsuccessful.
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‘We are deeply concerned and disappointed that such behavior has occurred at one of our matches.
‘Discriminatory language or actions of any kind have absolutely no place within our community club or the wider football community.
‘As a club, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all players, officials, volunteers, and supporters, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs.
‘The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, and we will fully support and cooperate with any investigations that follow.
‘If it is established that the individual responsible is connected with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, we will take the strongest possible action in line with our club policies and values.
‘We would encourage any supporters who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist, to contact the club as soon as possible via secretary@afc-diamonds.com.
‘Any comments will be treated confidentially. We thank both sets of supporters for their patience and understanding and will communicate further updates when appropriate.’
In an interview with the Northamptonshire club’s media, manager Elliot Sandy said the referee stopped the match while the individual was removed from the premises, before telling the teams at halftime that she did not feel comfortable continuing.
‘I obviously condemn what’s happened today; there’s no place for it in football and I feel really sorry for her that it has actually happened,’ said Sandy.
‘We will undertake a investigation into the incident and will respond to any queries received from the league and the FA,’ Coventry Sphinx said in a statement.
Both teams play in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division – the eighth tier of the English football league system.