A non-league football club has taken decisive action against a supporter who directed sexist abuse at a female match official during a weekend fixture.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds imposed an indefinite ban on the individual following an incident that led to their Northern Premier League Midlands Division match at Coventry Sphinx being abandoned at half-time on Saturday.
The tier-eight Northamptonshire club launched an immediate investigation after the referee halted play due to sexist remarks from the crowd.
The match official ultimately decided she could not continue officiating the game, leading to its abandonment during the interval.
The non-league club conducted a full investigation into the incident
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The club's investigation drew upon multiple sources of evidence to identify the perpetrator.
Supporters from both teams provided witness statements, whilst officials reviewed video recordings and the referee's formal match report.
This comprehensive evidence-gathering enabled the club to construct a detailed understanding of Saturday's events.
An emergency board meeting convened on Tuesday evening to examine the findings.
Following careful deliberation, board members reached their decision to impose the indefinite ban. The individual concerned was formally notified of the sanction on Wednesday.
The club expressed gratitude to supporters who came forward with testimony, acknowledging their crucial role in the investigation.
They also noted their regret at the widespread attention the incident attracted both nationally and internationally.
The club's manager, Elliot Sandy, provided details about how events unfolded during the match.
The Board of Directors at AFC Rushden & Diamonds would like to provide an update to supporters, and to the wider footballing community, regarding the incident that led to the match referee abandoning our fixture against Coventry Sphinx on Saturday, 15th November.
— AFC Rushden & Diamonds (@AFCRD) November 19, 2025
Following our… pic.twitter.com/UsFmxBu7jp
Speaking to club media afterwards, he revealed that the offensive remark occurred during the first half of play.
The comment initially caused a temporary stoppage whilst officials addressed the situation. Play resumed after this brief interruption, but the damage had been done.
Sandy explained that when the teams reached half-time, the referee informed officials that "she did not feel her head was 100 per cent in it."
This acknowledgement of the psychological impact led to her decision not to continue with the second half.
The manager's account underscores how a single moment of unacceptable behaviour can derail an entire sporting event.
The banned individual retains the right to appeal the decision. The club has indicated that the sanction could be subject to review should the person complete an educational programme focused on appropriate conduct at football matches.
In their official statement, AFC Rushden & Diamonds offered "an unreserved apology to the match official for the events that occurred."
The club emphasised their dedication to creating a secure and inclusive atmosphere at all fixtures.