Two men arrested for racially aggravated assault after Yeovil Town game was abandoned

Two people have been arrested after an FA Cup fourth-qualifying-round tie between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town was abandoned because of allegations that a home player was racially abused.

Two men, aged 23 and 26, were arrested in Chard and Yeovil on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault. Both were in custody at a Somerset police station, but have now been moved to London for further questioning.

Metropolitan Police officers are leading the investigation with the help of Avon and Somerset Police.

The home players walked off the field 64 minutes in, shortly after Yeovil had scored.

"Sorry for the late update but wanted to make sure we gave correct information," said a post on the official Haringey Borough Twitter account.

"Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon. It must be said that 99.9% of @YTFC fans are also disgusted by what's happened as much as we are. One club, one community."

Yeovil were leading 1-0 when Haringey's players walked off the field.

Yeovil Town responded to the incident with a statement on their website.

"Yeovil Town FC will be cooperating with the authorities and our friends at Haringey Borough FC regarding events leading up to today’s fixture not being completed.

We are aware that there are allegations that racist comments were made in the crowd and this allegation will be a key part of any investigation. Irrespective of the outcome of any investigations, we would like to make it clear that the club will not accept racism or discrimination in any form."

The club also said they will be making no further comment until the investigations are completed.

Yeovil's manager, Darren Sarll, responded to the allegations after the game.

Reports on social media claimed the Haringey Borough goalkeeper had been abused, spat at and that a bottle was also thrown.

Players from both sides later returned to the pitch as a show of solidarity.

The walk-off followed a penalty awarded and scored by the away side.

There was no comment from the Football Association about the incident, nor what would happen to the fixture next.

Avon and Somerset Police are assisting the Metropolitan Police who are looking into the allegations.

It follows a number of high profile incidents of racist abuse at football - most recently during England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria which saw Tyrone Mings and Raheem Sterling subjected to chants and abuse from the home fans.

England players were one step away from walking off the pitch.