A FOOTBALL match will be replayed after a team walked off during a game when one of their players was racially abused by a spectator.

Reserve teams from Bridport and Gillingham were in the second half of extra time during a match on Saturday, October 9, when one of the Gillingham players was racially abused by a spectator supporting Bridport.

The incident, which was described as ‘disgusting, abhorrent and horrendous’ by the Bridport manager, prompted the entire Gillingham team to abandon the game to show their support for the abused player, and their contempt for the comment that had been made.

At the time of leaving the pitch, Gillingham were losing 2-1, but, due to the unorthodox nature of the end of the game, there was uncertainty over whether that score would be submitted to the Football Association (FA) as the final score.

Paul Hill, secretary at Gillingham, has now confirmed that, after speaking with the Dorset FA, the game will be replayed, although it is unknown when or where the rematch will take place.

Paul said: "Dorset FA has said we will replay the game because it was abandoned, which I think is the right decision.

"We are not putting any blame onto the Bridport club so it wouldn't be fair on them to say they are responsible and for them to lose, and it wouldn't be fair on us to say the existing score is right as, if we have played the final 10 minutes, we don't know what the score would have been.

"Replaying the match is the best option. Our player who was abused thinks that is a fair option too."

Rob Marquis, manager of Bridport, is appalled at the behaviour of a fan who racially abused a player and has ensured that the fan is banned from the club for life.

He said: "None of us condone any kind of racism in the game. Unfortunately, we had an individual watching who made a pretty disgusting, horrendous comment which was completely abhorrent.

"He has been banned from the club and there is absolutely no place for racism here. He is not associated with the club and absolutely won't be coming back.

"I sincerely hope that the player who was involved can see that this was a brainless individual who made the comment and this isn’t the opinion of the club. The individual is absolutely in the minority and I really hope that this doesn’t have a lasting effect on the player."

The matter was reported to the police and an investigation into what happened has been launched.

Inspector Matt Chutter, of West Dorset police, said: "We have launched a full investigation into this incident, which is being supported by both football clubs.

"As part of our enquiries we have spoken to the victim and taken his account of what happened.

"I understand there were a number of people at the match on Saturday and I would urge anyone who saw or heard the abuse to please contact Dorset Police.

"It is extremely important to stress that Dorset Police condemns hate crime of all forms and we are committed to continuing to work with local football clubs to investigate offences of this nature and ensure victims are supported."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210163978. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.