A football match in English football's eighth tier was dramatically abandoned at half-time on Saturday after a female referee was allegedly targeted with sexist abuse from the crowd.
Match Halted Following Alleged Discrimination
The Northern Premier League Midlands Division fixture between Coventry Sphinx and AFC Rushden & Diamonds was called off with the visitors leading 1-0 at the break. The decisive moment came when a comment of a 'sexist nature' was allegedly directed at the female match official towards the end of the first half at The Cameron Slater Arena in Coventry.
Attempts to identify the individual responsible proved unsuccessful, leading to the referee's decision to abandon the contest. The match had seen AFC Rushden & Diamonds take the lead through a penalty from former EFL star Bruno Andrade before the incident overshadowed the sporting action.
Clubs United in Condemnation
Both clubs responded swiftly with strong statements condemning the behaviour. AFC Rushden & Diamonds expressed being "deeply concerned and disappointed" that such an incident had occurred during one of their matches.
In their social media statement posted just before 6pm, the Northamptonshire club emphasised: "Discriminatory language or actions of any kind have absolutely no place within our community club or the wider football community."
The club promised full cooperation with authorities and pledged to take "the strongest possible action" if the individual was found to be connected with their supporters.
Investigation Launched as Manager Expresses Sympathy
Coventry Sphinx later released their own statement, confirming they would undertake a full investigation into the incident and respond to any queries from the league and Football Association.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds manager Elliot Sandy provided further context, explaining that while attempts were made to remove the alleged culprit, the referee ultimately didn't feel comfortable continuing with the match.
"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," Sandy stated, highlighting the impact on the match official.
Both clubs have encouraged witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation, treating all communications confidentially. The matter has been reported to the relevant football authorities as the search for the individual continues.
