Match Cancelled [ Sat Nov 15th ] v Coventry Sphinx, KO 3pm NPLD1M AWAY

[Dazzler]

[Stourbridge_Diamond]

We were there, however in the stand at the side - so didn't hear anything, as whoever it was, was behind the goal.

1st half - very open game, lots of chances and we were probably slightly the better of the 2 sides, though sphinx looked very dangerous going forwards.

Then a couple of mins from halftime a pause, both managers went over to chat to the area of whoever did it to get them to stop.

The mad thing was the referee was one of the better ones we've had this season, I didn't really see much need to get mad with the ref. Hope the knuckledraggers who did it get banned from the club - it'd be nice if they donated enough compensation for the coach travel to the club too!!

[Rushdenjim]

1-0 up away from home at half time and this happens, just not our season is it!

In all seriousness, from what I've read on Twitter/X, much like if it was a racist comment, it is totally unacceptable and bloody stupid from one of our fans. But enough to warrant abandoning the game? We had a racist incident at HR a few years ago abs still managed to continue with the game afterwards?

And what happened in the car park after the game, players kicking off with our fans?

Is it confirmed that it was one of our fans?,

[Three of Diamonds]

OK, here's what I saw. We were stood by the terrace next to all the other Diamonds fans. I think it came from an incident where Tyler was injured (I was told he was kicked by a Sphinx player whilst off the pitch on the ground). Tyler came back onto the pitch then sat down to ask for treatment, this happens in almost every game. The referee came over so I think it happened at that point. All the players got back to the game and the ref seemed to as well, but suddenly she walked over to the touchline and spoke to the managers. They then walked over to where it happened which seemed to be a group of Sphinx fans (or so we thought). After a brief discussion the managers went back to their areas and the remaining 2 minutes or so of the game were played out. All seemed OK. During half time we saw the Chairman going around asking for information and I was told by others who had been nearby that they didn't know who it was. My friend and I walked to behind the goal we were due to be attacking and a Sphinx substitute was talking to some Sphinx fans about "if they go in the bar afterwards they'll find out" which seemed pretty threatening. It all seems so innocuous really, but obviously the ref lost confidence in herself and refused to return. I've no idea who it was or which side they were with but that's somewhat irrelevant as whoever they are, they're an idiot. The ref was doing OK, got a few things wrong but no one's ever perfect so I hope she's OK and supported in her recovery. Maybe we should have a whip round for a nice bunch of flowers or something to help her along?

[Rushdenjim]

Top story on BBC Radio Northampton throughout this morning.

[Rushdenjim]

Maybe we should have a whip round for a nice bunch of flowers or something to help her along?

I'm sure she would much prefer to just be able to do her job without being verbally abused.

The incident appears to have made every newspaper going, its very unwelcome attention, and something i'm sure the board could have done without.

I'm still none the wiser whether it was a Rushden or Coventry 'fan' and the know-it-alls on social media are filling the information vacuum with nonense as per usual.

Appreciate these things take time, and we've all seen hastily released 'statements' from non-league clubs in the past act like petrol on a bonfire, but when there is something concrete to say, even if it to summarise the protocol in these situations and the Authorities where discussions have commenced wouldn't be unhelpful.

[Olly]

Bloody hell, New York Times in the US now, it is literally world news! Must be a crazy time for Rob and the board.

Still no progress though in identifying the person or their affiliation though? I thought initial consensus on social media implied that it was a R&D fan but clearly that is not the case, well, hopefully not.