AFC Rushden & Diamonds' match at Coventry Sphinx was abandoned on Saturday after alleged sexist abuse was directed at a female referee, both non-league clubs have confirmed.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds said in a statement: '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.' The club added: 'We are deeply concerned and disappointed that such behaviour 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.'
Manager Elliot Sandy told the club's media that the referee stopped the match while the individual was removed from the premises, before informing the teams at half-time that she did not feel comfortable continuing. Coventry Sphinx said in a statement: 'We will undertake an investigation into the incident and will respond to any queries received from the league and the FA.'
Both teams play in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division, the eighth tier of English football. The Football Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
