England Under-15s walk off World Cup match after alleged racist slur

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:20 · Archive

England's Under-15 team walked off their World Cup match against Ireland in the 40th minute after one player alleged an opponent called him a 'monkey'.

England's Under-15 World Cup squad walked off their match against Ireland in Azerbaijan in the 40th minute after one player alleged an opponent had called him a 'monkey'. The alleged slur followed an incident in which the England youngster pushed his Irish opponent. An Irish backroom staff member immediately disputed the accusation, shouting 'no, he didn't', as the English player protested. This sparked a heated verbal exchange between the two coaching benches.

The England player approached his team's bench and stood on the touchline while head coach Matt Thorpe spoke with the fourth official. Just as the match appeared ready to resume, Thorpe ordered his entire team off the pitch. England were trailing 4-1 when the incident occurred. The match was a fixture in an experimental eight-a-side tournament.

Prior to the Ireland encounter, England had won their first three group games 16-1 on aggregate and topped their group. Ireland were second, separated only by goal difference. FIFA, the FA and the Irish FA have been contacted for comment. England are scheduled to play Zimbabwe in their final group match at 4:45pm. This is not the first England youth match disrupted by racism allegations; England's Under-17s had their friendly against Venezuela stopped twice last year following multiple accusations of racial abuse.

How it is being reported

• England-Republic of Ireland U15 World Cup game ends over alleged racismThe Under-15 World Cup Group C match between England and Republic of Ireland is abandoned after England allege an opposition player made a racist comment.BBC News · 26 Oct, 16:39
• England under-15s walk off during World Cup match after alleged racist slurEngland's under-15 squad walked off during their World Cup match against Ireland over an alleged racist slur. Head coach Matt Thorpe took his side off in Azerbaijan in the 40th minute after an accusation against an Irish opponent. One of the Young Lions reportedly claimed an opponent had called him a "monkey" just after the England youngster pushed him in the back. The accusation was immediately disputed from the Irish dugout, with a member of their backroom team shouting "no, he didn't" as the English player protested. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say A heated verbal exchange followed…GB News · 26 Oct, 15:47
• England Under 15s WALK OFF during World Cup clash with Ireland after star accused rival of calling him a 'monkey' in alleged racist slurYoung Lions boss Matt Thorpe withdrew his players in the 40th minute after one of them claimed an opponent had called him a 'monkey' moments after an altercation.Daily Mail Sport · 26 Oct, 14:39

In this story: England · Ireland · Matt Thorpe · Azerbaijan · Zimbabwe · FIFA · Football Association

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