England Ireland Under-15 match abandoned after racism allegation

England’s Under-15 match against the Republic of Ireland at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup was abandoned after England left the field following a player’s allegation of racism. Ireland were leading 4-1 when play stopped. England coach Matt Thorpe withdrew his players after one of them reported that an Irish opponent had used a racist slur. The allegation has not been independently established in the reports, and the match’s final result has not been determined. FIFA said the referee abandoned the Group C fixture after England refused to continue. The governing body said it was gathering official reports and would refer the matter to its independent disciplinary committee, which would decide whether further action was warranted. No decision date or disciplinary outcome was reported. Footage described in accounts of the incident showed Thorpe bringing his players off after a confrontation involving an England player and an Irish opponent. The England player was reported to have approached the bench before Thorpe spoke with match officials. The teams’ coaching staff then exchanged words. One account said an Irish backroom staff member disputed the allegation; that detail was not...