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A non-league match was labeled a “farce” and described as “one of the strangest evenings in football” after it was abandoned for two unusual reasons.
Havant & Waterlooville were scheduled to kick off against Farnham Town in the Southern League Premier Division South – the seventh tier of English football – at 7:45 PM.
The non-league match between Havant & Waterlooville and Farnham Town at Westleigh Park was abandoned for two reasonsCredit: Alamy
“Kit clash” at @HWFCOfficial delaying kick-off 🤦🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/y5AvTEU68f
— Farnham Town FC (@FarnhamTownFC) October 29, 2025
However, the start of the match was postponed when it was revealed that there was a “kit clash” between the teams.
Farnham was prepared to wear their green and white zigzag away kit for the match at Westleigh Park.
Yet, this was considered a clash with the hosts’ white and gold home kit, which delayed the kick-off to 8:15 PM.
The league's handbook on club colors under section 7.2 states: “When playing away from home, clubs must wear colors (shirts, shorts, and socks) that are clearly distinguishable from those of their opponents and the match officials. In particular, the goalkeeper must wear a kit that is clearly distinguishable from the colors worn by all other players in the match and the match officials.
“Neck and cuff rim colors on shirts are not considered basic colors for the purpose of this Rule.
“Subject to the above, a club may choose to wear colors not registered with the competition for away matches. It is the responsibility of the visiting club to ensure their colors will not clash.”
Section 7.3 adds: “No club shall be permitted to register or play in shirts of a color that is likely to cause confusion with the outfits worn by the match officials (i.e., black or dark blue).”
However, the match was ultimately abandoned just moments before the rescheduled kick-off after a “large tear” was found in the playing surface.
A statement from Farnham said: “After all that, the pitch has a large tear in it, and the playing surface is deemed unfit for play.
“We apologize to all of our traveling fans, and the rearranged date will be announced in due course.”
Reacting on social media, one fan remarked: “What a farce – and just when you thought those days of the combined counties were over.”
Another commented: “What a shambles. I feel for all the fans who made the journey this evening.”
A third added: “From a kit issue to a pitch problem?! All of this in just half an hour?”
Farnham chairman Harry Hugo shared more details on his own social media page, calling it “one of the strangest evenings of my football experience.”
He stated: “The referee insisted there was a kit clash (which there wasn’t).
“Sent the kitman on a 90-minute round trip to fetch the home kit.
“A large tear was found on the pitch near the penalty area during the waiting time.
“Told they could glue it, but then there was no glue available…
“Shouted at by senior members of the opposition committee because their pitch is unplayable, and apparently that’s our fault.
“I look forward to traveling back to Havant. Lovely ground. Great boardroom hospitality. Torn pitch. Heated discussions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the match abandoned?
The match was abandoned due to a “large tear” found in the playing surface, which rendered it unfit for play.
What caused the delay before the match?
The delay was caused by a “kit clash” between Havant & Waterlooville's and Farnham Town's uniforms, which resulted in a postponed kick-off.
