November 18 – The Northern Premier League Midlands Division match between AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx on Saturday saw an incident that has no place in the game.
Diamonds were leading 1–0, but referee Julia Kings told both teams she couldn’t continue after being verbally abused from the sidelines late in the first half. The game was abandoned, and both clubs are now asking witnesses to come forward as the culprit has yet to be identified.
Rushden & Diamonds Manager Chris Sandy didn’t hide his anger. The moment ref Kings reported the abuse, the club acted, but the impact had already been made. Speaking to @AFCRD, Sandy explained: “The referee made us aware that somebody in the crowd had personally abused her verbally. She came over initially to say that the person needed to be removed otherwise she would abandon the game, so that person was removed and we have carried on.”
But by half-time, Kings knew she wasn’t in the right headspace to finish the match. Sandy backed her fully: “She has then called us in at half-time and just said she didn’t feel that her head was 100 per cent in it, and she didn’t want to referee the rest of the game if she felt she wasn’t completely right.
“I condemn what has happened because there is no place for it in football… 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. They should not be welcome at football games.”
Kings reported that she had been subjected to “a comment of sexual nature.”
Diamonds said in a statement: “The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, and we will fully support and cooperate with any investigations that follow.”