Match abandoned after footballer 'racially abused'

Racist abuse was allegedly aimed at Tividale FC player Jack Storer

A football match was abandoned following allegations of racist abuse towards a player.

Tividale FC player Jack Storer claimed he was racially abused during the game against 1874 Northwich on Saturday. The game was called off by match officials at Packwood Road and play did not resume for the second half.

Both teams released statements condemning racism and confirmed they were cooperating with the league's investigation. Northwich "strongly denies" the allegation "at this stage".

It was one of two incidents of racism in non-league Midlands football, as the FA Cup second qualifying round tie between Sporting Khalsa and Hereford was also abandoned.

Mr Storer wrote on X: "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."

In a statement, Tividale FC, which is in the Midland League Premier Division, said it had a "zero-tolerance policy towards racism".

"[And] continues to operate with a Just Play attitude – promoting respect, inclusion, and fairness at all times.

"Together, we remain united as one community."

1874 Northwich described football as a "game for all, where players, officials and supporters should feel welcomed and safe at all times".

Players left the pitch after about 67 minutes of play during the Hereford FC and Sporting Khalsa game at the Guardian Warehousing Arena in Willenhall.

Hereford FC said it had identified two individuals who would be banned from its Edgar Street ground while investigations took place.