Non league match abandoned in 83rd minute after players and managers fight each other

A non league match between Chertsey Town and Bracknell Town was abandoned in the 83rd minute after players and managers fight each other.

On Tuesday night, the two sides came face to face for the Isthmian League South Central Division One match, but it had to be cut short.

Bracknell Town were winning the game 3-0 and Chertsey had two sent off as the fixture boiled over with punches being thrown.

BRACKNELL TOWN STATEMENT:

Bracknell Town released a statement at 8:19 am on Wednesday 27th October: After last nights abandoned game, the FA will review the referee’s report in due course.

We would like to set on record our thanks to [first team manager] Bobby [Wilkinson] and his team for their professionalism, staying calm and controlled in what was a genuinely shocking set of incidents.

As the report states, no Bracknell Town player was booked during one of the most shocking incidents we have witnessed during a game. Once due process has been followed, the result should be confirmed.

Thank you to all the fans that travelled.

CHERTSEY TOWN STATEMENT:

A statement then followed from Chertsey Town just before 1 pm: The officers of Chertsey Town FC were appalled by the scenes seen at Alwyns Lane on Tuesday evening in the match against Bracknell Town which led to the match being abandoned in the 83rd minute.

A full internal investigation will be conducted in to what led up to that moment, as well as the incident itself and subsequent consequences.

The club is well aware of the impact such an event has on players, supporters and officials alike, as well as the game in general.

Both clubs should take stock of the actions of their players and officials. Chertsey Town will certainly not shy away from their responsibilities, and nor should that of anyone else involved.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Since then it’s been confirmed that Chertsey Town announce that player/manager Kevin Maclaren has stepped down from the post with immediate effect.

“A meeting took place with the club’s Chairman Mark Turner and Secretary Chris Gay where the offer of resignation was made and reluctantly accepted. The prime reason was the effect on his personal life, and that of the club, since his family home was relocated to Lancashire.

“Kevin has been one of the club’s foremost servants. He had always been honest and effective as a player and manager since joining in 2017 and achieved great things for the club. His total commitment to the cause has not always been his best friend, but we always acknowledged his sincere desire to produce the best for everyone connected with us.

“The club is grateful for the many positive aspects of his involvement and wishes him the best for the future.

“The search is now on for a new manager so that the quest for promotion can press on without undue interruption.”

A huge Twitter reaction played out at the non league match was abandoned in the 83rd minute after players and managers fight each other…

@TruthsNonleague: After a very competitive 80 minutes of football, a ridiculous incident. The player Manager of Chertsey decided to headbutt a couple of Bracknell players. Deservedly receiving a red card. Then he decides to punch and then set upon a Bracknell town player who was watching the game

@AlexWarner5: The Chertsey PA earlier in the game didn’t help by announcing that Chertsey had had a cup run that Bracknell could only dream of. I heard some Bracknell players that were unhappy about that. However, the behaviour of the Bracknell number 6 when celebrating the 2 was shocking

@JamesTingley05: I’m sorry but this is the THIRD club that @BracknellTownFC have had a fight with so I suggest the FA need to have someone at all of their matches for the foreseeable if their current form is anything to go by it is appalling that you are merely trying to shift the blame.

@john_mythen: I have been supporting chertsey all my life, and never witnessed any such behaviour as this! And it got worse after this film clip! This could mean a points deduction and a heavy fine, I only hope the chertsey management committee makes the right decision here!!

@ChertseyCharva: @BracknellTownFC was a pleasure to see some of the mouthy Bracknell players get put in their place last night. Brought a tear to my eye! non-league football at its finest.

@RichETLFC: Wow. What an example. Referees report should make for an interesting read….assume the game will get awarded to Bracknell? Harsh if not!

@AlexWarner5: Unfortunately the video only shows part of it. I suspect when it ended up over spilling into the crowd the person with the video did a runner for their own safety. Never seen anything like it in 45 years watching football.

@alicelily97: Chertsey should be ashamed – my first ever non league game and what I saw from the chertsey captain was embarrassing and shocking!! Go back to Sunday league xx

@jgthompson99: A shame unreal player and manager for chertsey what happened has happened and the good memories will always be remembered he will have a bright managerial future ahead!

@adam_1willis: Kevin’s a top man and supportive in my role managing another club. Shame it happened like this as his helped the club move massively forward. Wish him all the best

@Captain_Mugwash: That isn’t the primary reason, is it. What happened, happened, pretending it’s down to anything else is an embarrassment.

@penners78: 😂 The prime reason was him assaulting bracknell players wasnt it? Your club has come out of this terribly.

@a1sw01: One of the most shocking, unsportsman like acts I’ve ever seen. Yes the Chertsey keeper gifted a goal but the opposition No.6 should have been booked, or sent off! You must be so proud…