England walk off as U15 World Cup match with Republic of Ireland is abandoned over alleged racism

England and the Republic of Ireland Under-15 World Cup match in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday was abandoned after England walked off following an allegation that a Republic of Ireland player used a racist slur. The incident occurred shortly before the end of the Group C game and left the fixture unfinished with the Republic of Ireland leading 4-1.

The allegation prompted immediate action from England's staff and players, who left the pitch in the final minute of the match. Match footage showed an England player approach his bench to report the complaint to coaching staff, after which England staff relayed the report to the referee and withdrew their team. The Football Association and the Football Association of Ireland have been contacted for comment.

England head coach Matt Thorpe was seen on DAZN coverage asking the referee to come over before calling his players off the field. The referee responded to England's coaching staff, "I cannot hear", and an England assistant coach is audible saying, "we are reporting racism", followed by "we do not want to play". At the time of the incident the Republic of Ireland held a 4-1 lead.

When another official approached the touchline, an England assistant told him, "No, our players do not want to play", and was later heard describing a player as "upset". Heated words were exchanged between the two sides' coaching staff, with each group saying they were trying to protect their players. The referee abandoned the match after England refused to continue.

World governing body Fifa told BBC Sport it is investigating and gathering reports. "Fifa is aware of an incident at the U-15 World Cup and Festival match between England and the Republic of Ireland," a spokesperson said. "The match was abandoned by the referee following England's refusal to continue. "The official reports are being gathered, and the matter will be referred to the independent disciplinary committee, who will decide in due course."

This edition is the first U-15 World Cup and Festival, featuring teams from 189 countries and territories playing in an eight-a-side format on smaller pitches with 20-minute halves. Teams from 189 of Fifa's 211 member associations are taking part in the tournament.

England are scheduled to play Zimbabwe at 20:45 local time (16:45 GMT) on Monday, while the Republic of Ireland face Cambodia at the same time.