From The 42Football
England walked off the pitch towards the end of the game in Azerbaijan on Monday.
THE REPUBLIC OF Ireland’s match with England at the U15 World Cup on Monday was abandoned following an allegation of racism.
England walked off the pitch after an altercation between players from both sides in the final minute of the game in Azerbaijan. Ireland were leading 4-1 at the time.
Match footage from DAZN shows an English player speaking to the referee and then approaching his coaching staff about the incident.
Words appear to be exchanged between both management teams, before England coach Matt Thorpe beckons his players off the field.
“Fifa is aware of an incident at the U-15 World Cup and Festival match between England and the Republic of Ireland,” a Fifa spokesperson told BBC Sport.
“The match was abandoned by the referee following England’s refusal to continue.
“The official reports are being gathered, and the matter will be referred to the independent disciplinary committee, who will decide in due course.”
The 42 has contacted the FAI and the FA for comment.
Ireland defeated Cambodia 4-1 in their later game in Baku, while England were 2-0 winners against Zimbabwe.
The new U15 World Cup and Festival is played in an eight-a-side format, on smaller pitches and with 20-minute halves. The inaugural edition involves 189 countries and territories.
Written by Emma Duffy and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.