Non-league football match abandoned after alleged racist comment

A non-league football match in Bedfordshire was abandoned after an alleged racist comment to a coach.

The match between Arlesey Town and Potton United, in the Spartan South Midlands Football League (SSMFL) Premier Division, ended after 61 minutes after the incident on Tuesday evening.

The teams are based around 10 miles away from each other.

Arlesey Town, the home team, said the incident was a “stain on non-league football”, but Potton United denied that a racist comment was made.

In a statement, Arlesey Town said: “Tonight’s abandoned game at New Lamb Meadow against local rivals Potton United is a stain on non-league football.

“Arlesey Town Football Club has been made aware of an alleged racist comment directed at our goalkeeper coach, Ishmael Mills.

“Arlesey Town Football Club will not tolerate racism in any way, shape or form.

“Arlesey Town Football Club will be supporting the relevant authorities with witness statements and video evidence that supports the club’s position.

“Arlesey Town Football Club will be making no further comment at this time.”

The club also said an assistant referee was “unfortunately caught up” in a “coming together” stemming from the alleged remark.

In a statement, Potton United denied that a racist comment had been made and said that the incident had been captured on a Veo sports camera used by teams to record fixtures.

It said: “Following tonight’s abandonment with Arlesey Town, Potton United strongly and categorically deny any racist remark was made and will be assisting the authorities with any investigation.

“The full situation was seen and heard on Veo, and we will happily share this with the authorities when required.”

The SSMFL Premier Division sits in Step 5 of the English football league system, comprising teams from Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Greater London.

The league, Bedfordshire Football Association and Bedfordshire Police have been approached for comment.