London non-league match abandoned due to red cards

A non-league match played in north London over the weekend was abandoned due to the number of red cards.

The five sending offs meant Wingate & Finchley did not have enough players to complete their Ryman Premier League relegation clash with Thurrock meaning the game had to be called off, as teams are not allowed less than seven players on the pitch.

The dismissals came either side of a penalty decision that meant visitors Thurrock gained a 1-0 lead.

The first half was hard-fought but goalless, and it was seven minutes into the second period when the first red card was shown, to Ahmet Rifat for violent conduct in an off-the ball incident.

Nine minutes later a foul by Osa Obamwonyi earned him a yellow card, and a red one since he had been cautioned early in the game for handling.

The offence also produced a Thurrock penalty, which Stuart Thurgood converted for what would be the only goal of the afternoon.

A wild challenge from behind by Ronayne Marsh-Brown had referee Sam Purkiss reaching for his red card again in the 72nd minute and Jon Christian departed seven minutes later, earning his second yellow for kicking the ball away, an act many spectators thought was an effort to get the match abandoned.

When Scott Shulton received his marching orders for his language to the referee the game had to end.

The match was a crucial one in the fight against relegation from the Ryman Premier League.

On Monday, a meeting of the league's emergency committee decided that the result should stand and the win was given to Thurrock.

An FA inquiry is now likely.

When contacted the FA said they are "aware of the matter" and that their enquiries into the matter are ongoing.

The game was designated as a ‘Kick it Out’ game which saw the anti-racism group hand out promotional material, and all mothers were admitted free to celebrate Mothers’ Day.