AFC Rushden & Diamonds ban fan after sexist remark halts match
A sexist comment directed at a female match official led to the league game against Coventry Sphinx being abandoned at half-time
AFC Rushden & Diamonds have banned a supporter indefinitely after a sexist comment directed at a female match official led to their league game against Coventry Sphinx being abandoned at half-time.
The club confirmed that, following an internal investigation involving eyewitness accounts, video footage, and referee reports, they identified the individual responsible for the remark on Saturday, 15th November.
The person will not be allowed to attend any AFC Rushden & Diamonds events.
The ban may be reviewed if the individual completes an approved educational programme about acceptable behaviour in football, such as those run by Kick It Out.
Club officials say they are deeply concerned and disappointed by the incident, stressing that discriminatory language or actions have no place in football.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds have apologised to the match official and pledged full cooperation with any ongoing investigations by the authorities.
The club also thanked supporters who came forward to help and said the response highlights their commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone in the football community.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds hope the incident will spark wider conversations about the treatment of match officials and serve as a reminder that sexism and abuse have no place in the sport.