Skegness Town match abandoned after allegation of homophobic abuse

Skegness Town’s match against Clay Cross Town was abandoned in the 80th minute following an allegation that homophobic language had been directed at a player.

The United Counties League Premier Division North fixture was stopped on Saturday with Skegness leading the Derbyshire visitors 3–2.

Both clubs have issued statements about the incident, giving their accounts of the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.

Clay Cross Town’s account

Clay Cross Town chairman Lee Watson said one of the club’s players reported alleged homophobic language to the referee.

According to Watson, the referee took the players off the pitch before speaking to both managers.

Watson said: “The decision was made by the referee to abandon the fixture given the alleged comment made by the opposition and threats of a violent nature.”

Skegness Town’s response

In its own statement, Skegness Town said the referee had taken both teams off the field in line with what the club understood to be the relevant protocol.

The club said the managers were then asked whether their teams wished to resume the match.

“The referee then asked both managers if their sides wished to continue, which Clay Cross refused to continue and therefore the game was abandoned,” the statement said.

Skegness Town added that it would make no further comment until all investigations were completed.

The alleged abuse has not been established as fact in the report. Although Skegness were ahead when play stopped, the report did not confirm an official result or a decision on the fixture.

The BBC reported that the Football Association and United Counties League had been contacted for comment.

Source: BBC News.