THE SOUTHERN League have released a statement, condemning the scenes that led to the late abandonment of Didcot Town‘s game against Hereford on Saturday.
Southern South & West leaders Hereford had just taken a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute through striker Mike Symons when it’s alleged that some Hereford supporters invaded the pitch at Didcot’s Loop Meadow Stadium.
Video and pictures from the game show Didcot players clashing with the travelling supporters who entered the playing field before stewards and police got involved.
Two visiting supporters were arrested – one on suspicion of a public order offence, and the other on suspicion of common assault – and have been bailed until April.
Referee Wayne Chalmers abandoned the game with just minutes left to play and the incident is now being investigated by the Football Association.
The Southern League statement read: “Whilst the League is not yet in possession of the full facts surrounding the abandonment of the Division One South & West match between Didcot Town and Hereford on Saturday 4th March, the Evo-Stik League Southern condemns the reported behaviour of some individuals that led to the reason for the Match Referee taking the necessary action in abandoning the match.
“The matter is being considered by the FA following an Extraordinary Incident Report being submitted and until the matter is concluded by them, the Evo-Stik League Southern is not permitted to take any action. However, the League intends to liaise with its Member Clubs to help prevent any repetition of these events.”
Both clubs have said they will work with the relevant authorities with a Hereford statement adding: “Hereford FC is deeply concerned by events that unfolded at Didcot, which led to the referee abandoning the fixture close to the end.
“It goes without saying that Hereford FC does not condone unlawful behaviour of any sort and club officials will be working very closely with the local Police, Didcot Town, the stewards who were in attendance, the FA and the Southern League to establish the relevant facts, secure all available evidence and conduct a thorough investigation.”
