Nantwich Town-Darlaston Town fixture abandoned following alleged racist remark
Darlaston Town took the decision not to continue their game against Nantwich Town due to an alleged racist remark made by an opposing supporter.
Town were trailing 3-1 when the incident took place in the 71st-minute and a comment was made towards one of the Darlaston players.
The individual concerned was removed from the stadium but Darlaston decided that they were unable to complete the fixture.
"Following an alleged inappropriate comment made by a spectator towards one of our players, and after a prolonged stoppage during which the individual concerned was removed from the stadium, our players collectively took the decision that they were unable to continue the fixture," a Darlaston club statement read.
"While this is a disappointed outcome for all involved, Darlaston Town maintains a zero-tolerance stance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour or language.
"The welfare and wellbeing of our players will always remain our priority. The club will continue to support the relevant processes and will await further guidance from the League following the referee's report."
Further updates are expected in due course and hosts Nantwich have supported Darlaston's decision in their own statement.
"Whilst this is bitterly disappointing for all concerned, the club has zero tolerance towards any inappropriate behaviour and comments, and fully supporters and respect Darlaston's decision."
Nantwich had taken the lead after 12 minutes when Kevin Mellor headed home from close-range following a corner delivery by Joel Connolly.
Connolly doubled the hosts' lead directly from a corner, before Zidan Sutherland halved the deficit after the break.
Alex Panter quickly restored Nantwich's two-goal cushion, which is as it remained, after the referee decided to abandon the game after speaking to all parties.
