England Under-15 match abandoned after racism allegation
England’s Under-15 World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland in Baku was abandoned after an England player reported racist abuse and the team refused to continue. FIFA is collecting official reports for its independent disciplinary committee. The referral concerns an allegation; it does not establish that a disciplinary offence has been proven.
Sports··Midday
England refuse to resume in Baku
England’s under-15 football team left the field against the Republic of Ireland after an England player reported racist abuse. The incident came in the final minute of their Group C World Cup fixture in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital. England coach Matt Thorpe called his players to the touchline, and the team refused to resume. FIFA, world football’s governing body, confirmed that the referee abandoned the match following that refusal.[1], [2]
Footage showed a player going to England’s bench after an altercation. Thorpe then approached the referee before instructing the team to leave. An assistant coach told the referee that England were reporting racism and did not want to continue. When another official came over to discuss what should happen next, the assistant repeated that the players would not return and said one player was upset.[1]
Official reports go to a disciplinary committee
FIFA said it was gathering official reports and would refer the incident to its independent disciplinary committee, which would decide on further action. The complaint therefore remains an allegation awaiting that process. The referee’s decision to stop play establishes the abandonment; it does not settle whether the alleged racist remark was made. Members of the two coaching teams exchanged heated words, with representatives of both sides saying they wanted to protect their players.[1]
Players receive support as reports are gathered
England’s Football Association was understood to be waiting for more information and supporting the players and staff. It had not issued a public comment in the account available, while the Football Association of Ireland had been approached for its response. England had beaten Cambodia, Montenegro and Nicaragua in its earlier matches. Its next scheduled opponent was Zimbabwe later on Monday; Ireland were due to meet Cambodia.[1]
The inaugural tournament involves 189 countries and territories. Teams play eight a side on smaller pitches, with two halves of 20 minutes. Group winners progress to the top-tier competition, while the other teams continue in separate tiers determined by their group positions.[1]
