Abandonment at Tividale v 1874 Northwich in second alleged racism case involving Black Country clubs over weekend
A non-league clash between Tividale and 1874 Northwich was abandoned at half-time due to an allegation of racism towards a Tividale player.
Hosts Tividale were 3-0 down to Northwich in the Midland Premier contest on Saturday (September 13) when the clash was called off by match officials at Packwood Road.
Play did not resume for the second period.
Both clubs released statements condemning the allegations. Tividale confirmed they will be working fully with a league investigation and Cheshire visitors Northwich said they had launched an internal investigation after an 'allegation of racism aimed at an opposition player' but 'strongly denied' the claims.
It was one of two incidents of alleged racism involving Black Country non-league clubs on Saturday as the FA Cup second qualifying round tie between Sporting Khalsa and Hereford was also abandoned.
Tividale player Jack Storer posted on social media site X later on Saturday evening: "Sadly today, I was racially abused.
"No one should ever have to face that in football or in life. Racism has no place in our game or our society. We need change, and we need accountability. #NoToRacism #FootballForAll."
A Tividale club statement read: "Following today’s match being abandoned due to the alleged incidents, Tividale FC and our supporters strongly stand against racism in any form.
"We fully support and stand by our players, coaches, management, supporters, and the wider Tivi Family.
"The club has a zero tolerance policy towards racism and continues to operate with a Just Play attitude – promoting respect, inclusion, and fairness at all times. We are fully cooperating with the league as they investigate today’s events and will continue to uphold the highest standards on and off the pitch. Together, we remain united."
Northwich's statement read: "As a board, we have acted swiftly and launched an internal investigation into the alleged incident which took place.
"At this stage, 1874 Northwich Community Football Club strongly denies any allegation of racism. We will work with the relevant authorities in any investigation and to determine the outcome of the fixture.
"We are a community football club, owned by our supporters and we share a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of discrimination.
"Football is a game for all; where players, officials and supporters should feel welcomed and safe at all times. We all must play our part in ensuring 1874 Northwich is an inclusive and friendly environment. For further information – you can read our Supporter Code of Conduct, which is shared throughout our Newsletters and Digital Matchday Programmes.
"We will not make any further comment until investigations have concluded."
