Non-league match abandoned after ‘sexist comment’ to female referee | Football | Sport

A non-league football match between Coventry Sphinx and AFC Rushden & Diamonds was abandoned at half-time on Saturday after sexist abuse was allegedly aimed at a female referee. Rushden were leading 1-0 when the match was halted.

Coventry Sphinx welcomed AFC Rushden & Diamonds to Sphinx Drive for a Northern Premier League Midlands Division encounter. The home side were looking for their eighth league win of the season, with the visitors aiming to climb out of the relegation zone with a sixth league victory of the campaign. But the match only lasted 45 minutes.

The away side took to X (formerly Twitter) after the match was abandoned and explained: “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 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.

“As a club, we are committed 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 established that the individual responsible is connected with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, we will take the strongest possible action in line with our club policies and values.

“We would 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. Any comments will be treated confidentially.

“We thank both sets of supporters for their patience and understanding and will communicate further updates when appropriate.”

Meanwhile, Coventry Sphinx wrote on X: “Towards the end of the first half of this afternoon’s game v AFC Rushden & Diamonds the referee alerted both clubs that a spectator had made a derogatory comment towards her. Following the incident the game was abandoned.

“We will undertake an investigation into the incident and will respond to any queries received from the league and the FA. We are deeply concerned that comments of such a nature have been reported.

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