A non league match between Coventry Sphinx and AFC Rushden & Diamonds was abandoned after sexist abuse allegedly aimed at a female referee.
The Northern Premier League – Midlands Division (8th tier) fixture didn’t continue after half-time with a female referee reporting an allegation of sexist abuse from a spectator.
A fan was removed but the referee felt unable to continue, prompting both clubs to condemn the incident, launch investigations, and pledge strong action against discrimination.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds can confirm that today’s fixture at Coventry Sphinx was postponed at half-time. A comment of a sexist nature was allegedly directed toward the female match official towards the end of the first half. Attempts to identify the individual were unsuccessful.… pic.twitter.com/cct9CWaRVj
— AFC Rushden & Diamonds (@AFCRD) November 15, 2025
AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS CLUB STATEMENT:
“AFC Rushden & Diamonds can confirm that today’s fixture at Coventry Sphinx was postponed at half-time. A comment of a sexist nature was allegedly directed toward the female match official towards the end of the first half. Attempts to identify the individual were unsuccessful.
We are deeply concerned and disappointed that such behavior has occurred at one of our matches. Discriminatory language or actions of any kind have absolutely no place within our community club or the wider football community. As a club, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all players, officials, volunteers, and supporters, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs.
The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, and we will fully support and cooperate with any investigations that follow. If it is established that the individual responsible is connected with AFC Rushden & Diamonds, we will take the strongest possible action in line with our club policies and values.
We would encourage any supporters who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist, to contact the club as soon as possible via secretary@afc-diamonds.com. Any comments will be treated confidentially.
We thank both sets of supporters for their patience and understanding and will communicate further updates when appropriate.
COVENTRY SPHINX CLUB STATEMENT:
“Towards the end of the first half of this afternoon’s game v AFC Rushden & Diamonds the referee alerted both clubs that a spectator had made a derogatory comment towards her.
“Following the incident the game was abandoned.
“We will undertake a investigation into the incident and will respond to any queries received from the league and the FA.
“We are deeply concerned that comments of such a nature have been reported.”
“Discriminatory language or actions have no place at Coventry Sphinx, nor should they in any walk of life.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds boss Elliot Sandy spoke after the game at Coventry Sphinx.
Interviewer: “Elliot, obviously the game has been abandoned at half-time. Can we just start by getting your perspective on what you’ve seen and what’s happened here today?”
Elliot: “Yeah, the ref made us aware that somebody in the crowd had personally abused her verbally. So she came over initially to say that the person needed to be removed, otherwise she’d abandoned the game. So that person was removed, we’ve carried on.
“But then she called us in at half-time and just said she didn’t feel that her head was 100% in it and she didn’t want to referee the rest of the game if she felt she wasn’t completely right.
“So first and foremost, I obviously condemn what’s happened today. There’s no place for it in football and I feel really sorry for her that it’s actually happened.”
Interviewer: “Just on yourself and John Woodward, the Coventry Sphinx manager, you two, after that lengthy delay, went over to the advertising hoardings to speak to people over there. Who did you speak to and if you can, just give us an insight into what those conversations entailed?”
Elliot: “I don’t know personally who they were. There was a big group of fans there, so I obviously said what the referee had said to us. As far as I’m aware, that person was removed.
“But yeah, like I said, the referee felt that she wasn’t in a place to continue. So we’ve just got to accept that really, which is a real shame because I feel that’s our luck a little bit at the minute.
“We’ve come away, set up a game plan and that first half we were outstanding. Other than the first 10 minutes, Coventry caused us a couple of problems early.
“Then we grew into the game, felt we were on top, missed a couple of chances and then got that deserved goal. So yeah, really disappointed. Lads are really frustrated as well, but it is what it is.”
Interviewer: “And we should reiterate as well, because unfortunately there will be people that come out and their first thoughts will be, oh, was it a Coventry Sphinx fan? Was it a Rushden fan? That’s all irrelevant. And despite the scoreline being what it is, that’s immaterial. And as you say, everyone has a right to feel safe on the pitch and that’s paramount.
Elliot: “Yeah, exactly that. Like I said, obviously going to be disappointed because the way we played from a football perspective, but there’s a bigger thing here, bigger things in football.
“And like you said, people should come to work and feel safe and not have to be abused. So whoever it was, I hope they hang their head in shame really. And yeah, they shouldn’t be welcome at football games.”
