A Northern Premier League Midlands Division fixture was called off following allegations of sexist remarks directed at the female match official from spectators.
The game between AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx came to a premature end during the interval after the referee indicated she felt unable to carry on officiating.
The Northamptonshire club confirmed that inappropriate comments of a discriminatory nature were reportedly made towards the official near the conclusion of the opening period.
The decision to abandon proceedings came after she expressed discomfort about returning for the second half.
A female match official reported sexist comments from the stands
| PAAccording to the club's first team manager Elliot Sandy, the referee halted play whilst efforts were made to eject the alleged perpetrator from the venue. The fixture then continued until the interval.
Speaking to club media, Sandy revealed that during the break, the official informed both teams she did not feel comfortable resuming her duties.
"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," Sandy stated.
The club reported that efforts to locate and identify the individual responsible proved fruitless.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds expressed profound concern and dismay regarding the incident.
The club pledged to pursue the most severe measures possible should investigations reveal any connection between the perpetrator and their organisation.
In their official statement posted on X, the club emphasised that "discriminatory language or actions of any kind have absolutely no place within our community club or the wider football community."
They confirmed the matter has been escalated to appropriate governing bodies.
The club has issued an appeal for any spectators who observed the incident or possess relevant information to make contact.