A non-league match between AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx was abandoned at half-time after a female referee was reportedly targeted by a sexist remark from the crowd. The referee stopped play while a suspected offender was removed, but later said she did not feel able to continue. The visiting club has reported the incident to the relevant authorities and urged any witnesses to come forward.
Non-league match abandoned after alleged sexist abuse aimed at female referee
A non-league match between AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx was abandoned at half-time after a female referee was reportedly targeted by a sexist remark from the crowd. The referee stopped play while a suspected offender was removed, but later said she did not feel able to continue. The visiting club has reported the incident to the relevant authorities and urged any witnesses to come forward.
05:34 AM, 11/16/2025Society
Match abandoned after alleged sexist abuse of female referee
A non-league fixture between AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx was abandoned at half-time after a female match official was reportedly subjected to a sexist remark from the crowd, the visiting club said.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds said a "comment from the crowd of a 'sexist nature'" was heard directed at the referee towards the end of the first half. The official initially stopped play while the suspected offender was removed and the match briefly resumed.
At half-time the referee informed the Diamonds she did not feel comfortable continuing, and the game was subsequently called off. The club said attempts to identify the individual were unsuccessful and the matter has been reported to the "relevant authorities".
Elliot Sandy, Diamonds manager: "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."
The club described itself as "deeply concerned and disappointed" and said it would "take the strongest possible action" if it established the person responsible was associated with AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Both sides play in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division.
The BBC has contacted the Football Association and Coventry Sphinx for comment. Diamonds have urged any supporters who witnessed the incident or who have information to come forward and contact the club.