England U15s abandon World Cup match v Ireland over racism allegation
England walked off during their Under-15 World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland in Baku after a player reported a racist slur. Fifa says it is gathering reports and will refer the matter to its independent disciplinary committee.
- England abandoned the Group C match in Baku in the final minute with Ireland leading 4-1.
- Fifa is gathering reports and will refer the matter to its disciplinary committee.
- The Under-15 World Cup is being played for the first time, with 189 countries and territories.
England abandoned their Under-15 World Cup Group C match against the Republic of Ireland in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday after a player reported being subjected to a racist slur. The incident came in the final minute, with Ireland leading 4-1.
According to BBC Sport and The Guardian, footage showed an altercation between players, after which an England player went to his bench and complained to the coaching staff. England head coach Matt Thorpe was seen on DAZN coverage asking the referee to come over, then calling his players off the pitch.
The Guardian reported that the player is believed to have alleged an opponent used a specific racist word towards him. Neither report says that the allegation has been confirmed.
Match audio showed an England assistant coach telling the referee, "we are reporting racism", and adding that the team did not want to play. The referee had earlier said "I cannot hear". When another official came over to discuss what would happen after the match, the assistant said England's players did not want to play, and later said a player was upset. Heated words were then exchanged between the two sets of coaching staff, with both saying they were trying to protect their players.
A Fifa spokesperson said the organisation was aware of the incident and that the match was abandoned by the referee after England's refusal to continue. The spokesperson said official reports were being gathered and the matter would be referred to the independent disciplinary committee, which would decide in due course.
The Football Association told BBC Sport it was awaiting more information and was in touch with Fifa, saying player wellbeing was a priority. The Guardian said the FA was taking the matter seriously and supporting players and staff. The Football Association of Ireland had been contacted for comment.
This is the first Under-15 World Cup and Festival, involving 189 countries and territories. Matches are eight-a-side on smaller pitches, with 20-minute halves. Later on Monday England beat Zimbabwe 2-0, and Ireland beat Cambodia 4-1. The Guardian said more than 3,000 players are taking part in 950 matches, and that only group winners progress to the top-tier competition this week.
Why it matters
Pakistan's Under-15 team is also playing at the same Fifa Under-15 World Cup, which is being held for the first time.
