Club Statement | U19 Abaondoned Fixture

Following today’s U19 National League Alliance fixture against Tamworth, the match was abandoned during the second half.

Tamworth had a player sent off during the first half following an stamp on Louie Lightwood. The first half ended with the score at 0–0.

In the second half, we took a two-goal lead through Braydon McCarthney and Josh Flynn. Tamworth were reduced to nine men after a player was shown a red card for foul and abusive language towards one of the match officials following a shot that hit the crossbar and rebounded into play, which Tamworth players believed had crossed the line. 

Following the incident, members of the Tamworth coaching staff entered the pitch and halted the game. After a delay, Tamworth refused to continue the fixture, leaving the referee with no option but to abandon the match.

We cannot condone the actions of the opposition in bringing the game to a halt and refusing to continue the game. The fixture was competitive but played in good spirits throughout, We are struggling to understand the decision made by the opposition. The referee’s integrity should not be questioned in a way that leads to the abandonment of a development football fixture.

The fixture was recorded, and the club will fully support any investigation conducted by the National League and The FA.

We will provide further updates in due course should more information become available.