Non-League Match Halted at Half-Time Following 'Sexist Remark' Directed at Official

Table of Contents

• Match Abandonment
• Statements from Clubs
• Investigation

Match Abandonment

A NON-LEAGUE match was called off after the referee experienced alleged sexist abuse.

According to the BBC , the game between Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx was initially paused while the offender was escorted from the venue.

The non-league match between Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx was called offCredit: Lee Blease/PPAUK/Shutterstock The game was abandoned after the referee reported receiving sexist abuseCredit: Getty Images

However, the referee called off the match at half-time after informing the Northern Premier League Midlands Division teams that she felt uncomfortable continuing.

The same source indicates that a comment of a “sexist nature” was directed at her from the crowd.

Efforts to identify the culprit were unsuccessful, but the incident has been reported.

Statements from Clubs

Rushden & Diamonds issued 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 extremely 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 broader football community.

“As a club, we are dedicated 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 determined that the individual responsible is associated with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, we will take the strongest possible action in accordance with our club policies and values.

“We 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.

“All comments will be treated confidentially. We thank both sets of supporters for their patience and understanding and will provide further updates when appropriate.”

Coventry Sphinx echoed their opponents’ sentiments with a statement of their own .

Investigation

The club pledged to initiate an investigation as part of their zero tolerance policy towards such behavior.

Coventry Sphinx stated: “Towards the end of the first half of this afternoon’s game against AFC Rushden & Diamonds, the referee alerted both clubs that a spectator had made a derogatory comment towards her.

“Following this incident, the game was abandoned.

“We will conduct an investigation into the matter and will respond to any inquiries received from the league.

“We are deeply troubled that comments of this nature have been reported.

“Discriminatory language or actions have no place at Coventry Sphinx, nor should they exist in any aspect of life.”