‘We won’t tolerate it’ - Footballer racially abused in amateur cup final in Leicester criticises The FA

The match was abandoned after 78 minutes on Wednesday following alleged racist remarks from the crowd

The footballer alleged to have been racially abused during an abandoned amateur cup final in Leicester has criticised the match officials for their handling of the incident.

The Saturday Vase Final between FC Wymeswold reserves and Cosby United Development on Wednesday night was halted after 78 minutes.

Wymeswold striker Linford Harris says he was racially abused by a spectator when he was shown a red card, leading to a confrontation between the players and some of the 200-strong crowd present at Holmes Park, Whetstone.

Harris has since criticised the referee and linesmen for failing to take control of the situation.

“The FA [officials] didn’t do anything to help the situation at all,” he told The Independent. “Wymeswold ended the game and walked off the pitch as we won’t tolerate it. The officials didn’t know what to do, they heard the chants and did nothing about it.

“The linesman said to the abuser that it’s bang out of order and that was that.

“There was a lot of pushing and shoving and he was seen on video still trying to chase my family members down and was being held back.

“So [they] didn’t remove him [from the premises], he was free to do what he liked.”

Linford Harris is upset with The FA

Gregg North, who was in attendance to support his cousin Harris, told BBC Leicester the incident had been caused by “one mindless individual”.

“The stewards kept the guy who started the racism in the ground and tried to turf the other people out,” he said.

Harris said he no longer wanted to play, but also thanked fans and players for their support.

“So sorry to witness and suffer such racism in this day and age, thanks everyone for the support,” he said on Twitter. “Appreciate everyone standing behind me. WE ARE ALL EQUAL. #SayNoToRacism.”

Wymeswold player Reece Lewin said he was also sent off after confronting the man who made the alleged comment.

“I feel a bit disappointed by the red card,” he told the BBC.

The Saturday Vase Final between FC Wymeswold and Cosby United (Leicestershire FA)

The Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is investigating the incident and urged any witnesses to submit a statement.

“We ask anyone who was present at the match to provide their observations by email to info@leicestershirefa.com,” the organisation said.

“Leicestershire & Rutland County FA will investigate all allegations related to this game and take the necessary discipline action.”

After the match, Cosby tweeted: “The club will support the FA in anyway possible. This club does not condone racism. Comments/abuse made to the club overnight that the individual is a Cosby supporter are wide of the mark.”

The result of the game, which Cosby were winning 1-0, will be determined after the end of disciplinary proceedings.