Fifa investigates alleged racist abuse after England end under-15 match against Ireland
England abandoned their Under-15 World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland after a player reported being racially abused in the final minute. Fifa is investigating the allegation and has referred the matter to its independent disciplinary committee, which will decide whether further action is needed.
Ireland were leading 4-1 in the Group C fixture in Baku when the player is believed to have told England’s coaching staff that an opponent had called him a “monkey”. Head coach Matt Thorpe then led his team off, and an assistant coach told the referee they were reporting racism and did not want to resume. Fifa says it is collecting official reports; the Football Association is understood to be supporting England’s players and staff while seeking more information. The inaugural tournament features 189 countries and territories, with more than 3,000 players scheduled to take part in 950 matches.
In short
- England left the pitch after a player reported a racist slur.
- Ireland were leading 4-1 when the match was abandoned.
- Fifa is investigating and will consider possible disciplinary action.
Explained simply
Fifa is the international body that runs the Under-15 World Cup, while England and the Republic of Ireland are among the teams taking part. The tournament brings together young players from countries and territories around the world.
The allegation concerns a player in the match between the two teams. England’s coach Matt Thorpe led his side off the pitch after the player reported an insult, and the Football Association is supporting the England team and staff.
Fifa’s independent disciplinary committee considers cases referred to it and decides whether further action is needed. How it handles the allegation matters to the players and teams involved, and to how reports of abuse are dealt with in the tournament.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “England Under-15s walk off pitch against Ireland in World Cup after racism allegation”.