Investigation Underway After Abandonment of AFC Rushden & Diamonds Match Due to Sexist Abuse

A Northern Premier League match between AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx was abandoned at half-time following an incident in which a female referee was allegedly subjected to sexist abuse. AFC Rushden issued a statement denouncing the behavior, stating: “A comment of a sexist nature was allegedly directed towards 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.”

Coventry Sphinx also released a statement, affirming their commitment to addressing the incident: “We will undertake an investigation into the incident and will respond to any queries received from the league and the FA.”

The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to identify the offender, engaging with match officials, both clubs, and relevant authorities.

Rob Usher, Chairman of Diamonds, stated: “The club fully respects the protocols put in place. We are currently conducting an investigation into the alleged behavior of a spectator and believe it is inappropriate to comment further until this investigation is concluded.”

Diamonds manager Elliot Sandy remarked: “Someone in the crowd personally accused her, and she requested that the individual be removed or the game would be abandoned. That person was removed, to my knowledge, and we continued. However, she returned at half-time and did not feel mentally prepared to proceed. We will investigate this incident and respond to any queries from the league and the FA.”

He continued, “I unequivocally condemn what transpired today; there is no place for such behavior in football, and I truly sympathize with her for having to experience this.”

Diamonds have also urged spectators at the venue to assist in identifying the offender, requesting that anyone who witnessed the incident contact the club promptly.

At the time the match was suspended, Diamonds were leading 1-0 after Bruno Andrade scored a penalty in the 36th minute. The scheduling of the rescheduled match remains to be determined by the league and the FA. Currently, Diamonds occupy the 20th position in the eighth tier of English football, having secured 19 points from 16 matches, while Sphinx is positioned ninth with 25 points from 17 games.