Players walk off after teammates 'racially abused'

Wednesfield players walked off during a game at Droitwich Spa's ground on Saturday

Non-league footballers walked off the pitch in solidarity with teammates who were allegedly racially abused by opposition fans.

The match between Wednesfield FC at Droitwich Spa FC was abandoned in the Midland Football League Division One on Saturday.

Racist remarks were made by spectators towards Wednesfield players in the dugout, a spokesperson for the club said.

In a statement, Droitwich Spa directors apologised to their opponents.

"[We] condemn all forms of discrimination and will deal with individuals concerned in the strongest possible manner," they said.

Droitwich Spa added events unfolded at about the 80-minute mark when a spectator made a comment to a substitute warming up on the sideline.

Players and officials booed

Wednesfield said they had "made a stand against it" and told the match officials before the team left the pitch.

Players and club officials were booed as they walked off, they added.

"The Droitwich players and staff were in support and understood our decision why we chose to leave the field of play to which we are grateful," the club said.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire FA confirmed an investigation had been opened into a report of discrimination during the fixture.

"Discrimination has no place in football or society and we treat all allegations of such abhorrent behaviour very seriously," it added.

The incident on Saturday came four days after Droitwich Spa said an allegation about the behaviour of one of their supporters was made in another home game.

It centred on the clubhouse during Tuesday night's match against Bilston Town. Droitwich said on Wednesday an investigation was under way.