England–Republic of Ireland under-15 match abandoned after racism allegation

England’s under-15s left the pitch during their World Cup and Festival match against the Republic of Ireland in Baku on Monday after a player complained that an Irish opponent had used a racist slur. FIFA said the referee abandoned the match when England refused to continue.

The complaint followed an altercation between players in the final minute of the Group C game, BBC Sport reported. According to its account of match footage, England’s coaching staff passed the allegation to the referee and called their players off. An assistant coach was heard saying: “We are reporting racism” and “We do not want to play.” Ireland were leading 4–1 when play stopped; that was not a confirmed final result.

So Foot, citing the Daily Mail, reported that a member of the Irish staff immediately disputed the allegation. FIFA told BBC Sport it was gathering official reports and would refer the matter to an independent disciplinary committee. The reported exchange on the touchline does not establish what was said between the players; the committee has yet to make a finding in FIFA’s account.