A NON-LEAGUE match was abandoned after the referee received alleged sexist abuse.
According to the BBC, the game between Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx was initially stopped while the culprit was removed from the ground.
But the ref called the game off at half-time after she told the Northern Premier League Midlands Division teams she did not feel comfortable continuing.
The same source claims a comment from the crowd of a “sexist nature” was heard being directed at her.
Attempts to identify the guilty part were unsuccessful but the matter has been reported.
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.
“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.”
Coventry Sphinx echoed their opponents’ response with a statement of their own.
‘We are deeply concerned’
The club promised to put together an investigation as part of their zero tolerance of such behaviour.
Coventry Sphinx stated: “Towards the end of the first half of this afternoon’s game V AFC Rushden & Diamonds the referee alerted both clubs that a spectator had made a derogatory comment towards her.
“Following the incident the game was abandoned.
“We will undertake a [sic] investigation into the incident and will respond to any queries received from the league and the FA.
“We are deeply concerned that comments of such a nature have been reported.
“Discriminatory language or actions have no place at Coventry Sphinx, nor should they in any walk of life.”
