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Team-mates speak out on being told to find new clubs after fighting during non league match

Team-mates speak out on being told to find new clubs after fighting during a non league match at the weekend.

The game was between Loughborough Students and AFC Rushden & Diamonds, with the hosts going on to win it 3-0.

During the game, AFC Rushden tweeted: “20 mins. DOUBLE DIAMONDS RED CARD. I have never seen anything quite like this. A coming together between Bruno and Tyler, not the first of the game, results in the two players being shown straight red cards! It’s an absolute nightmare for Diamonds who now have 9 men and no forwards!

“HT Loughborough 1-0 Diamonds. Three huge saves from Szymon in added time alone. Diamonds were a goal down before an altercation between Bruno and Tyler resulted in 2 red cards. The 9 that remain on the pitch have done their best, but they have an uphill battle on their hands. To say the least.

“FT Loughborough Students 3-0 Diamonds. It’s a damaging day for the Diamonds in the context of our season. Within the space of 1 first half minute, we found ourselves a goal down and with 9-men following the double sending off of Bruno Andrade and Tyler Winters. After such a shocking event, the rest of the game was a bit of a blur to be honest.

“Credit should be given to the 9 who remained on the pitch and the subs, who defended incredibly well but were on a hiding to nothing playing almost 80 minutes with 2 men short. Goalkeeper Szymon Terenowicz, on debut, was superb under relentless pressure.”

CLUB STATEMENT:

AFC Rushden & Diamonds can confirm that, following an on-field altercation during yesterday’s fixture against Loughborough Students, the Club has informed both Bruno Andrade and Tyler Winters that they will not be selected for the remainder of the 2025/26 season and are free to pursue opportunities with other clubs.

The actions seen during the incident do not reflect the standards we expect of those representing AFC Rushden & Diamonds. As a fan-owned, community-driven club, we have a responsibility to uphold those standards and to act when they are not met.

We would like to place on record our thanks to both players for their efforts this season and recognise the contribution they have made to the Club’s performances. However, on this occasion, the issue extends beyond on-pitch contribution.

This decision has been made following internal review and in consultation with First Team Management, while also taking into account feedback from our supporters.

We recognise that football is an emotional game, but incidents of this nature require a clear and considered response in order to protect the integrity and reputation of the Club.

The Club will be making no further comment at this time

Tyler Winters (@Tylerwinters101) wrote: “To the @AFCRD Fans, staff, players I want to thank you for an incredible season and your support has been unbelievable things happen. I tried to remove myself from the situation long before the red but got told to carry on. I wish you the best for the rest of the season 💎”

Bruno Andrade (@Brunsky36) said: “A Lot of things have been said online following yesterday’s game and the events that occurred. I don’t feel it’s right to go into detail at this time as there’s always more to the story but my reaction on the pitch was wrong full stop and I do take full responsibility.

“For that and would like to share my most sincere apologies for my behaviour that led to my sending off. Those actions fell far below what’s expected of me as a representative of the club and there is no excuse for it. I understand that I’ve let lots of people down including my team mates left on the pitch as well as the fans and myself. I’m truly sorry)

“I want thank everyone from the bottom of my heart to everyone associated with the club from top to bottom for everything. Especially the fans that took me in and made me feel at home. The support and love was always acknowledged. I’m grateful. Sorry its ended this way @AFCRD 💎”

Here’s the social media reaction as the team-mates speak out on being told to find new clubs after fighting during a non league match…

@abbo08: As a club that takes themselves seriously, this is the correct decision. One of those 2 players is arguably the best for many years but nobody is bigger that the club. And yesterday was Sunday league, manager and the board should not have to accept that. Thank you and goodbye

@BenWWFCYT: Tyler, Thank you for absolutely everything honestly, Its been a great season. I’m sorry its ended this way but I wish you all the best for the future 💎💙 Just remember you did the right thing by trying to remove yourself from it💙💎

@Luke_AFCRD: Thank you for everything, Tyler. Good luck for the future mate

@BradHicks20: No problem Ty, stuff like this happens, best of luck for the future!

@_AlexCameron: The only outcome unfortunately. Shame it ended this way but no one is bigger than the club! Full faith in the Management team & the board – up the Rushden 💎

@SrGreenaway: For anybody who was there yesterday will surely agree that was the only outcome. You can’t do things like that and do it once you can do it again!

@dash71_: ⚽️.. HUGE call, especially as Tyler & Bruno have scored a fair few this season, but @AFCRD must take credit for putting this issue to bed so quickly, whilst also upholding their club standards.

@JoshuaMansell3: They’ve just lost 2 of arguably in my opinion the best 2 attacking players I’ve played against this season in this league. Moment of stupidity killed them

@Jamie_rdfc: Absolutely gutted. The best player to wear the red white and blue of AFC. Scored some sublime goals and bought joy to alot of supporters including my son. Go well Bruno 💎

@Malcolm_E_Lacey: Well done! As a Students supporter I was impressed by the chant from your fans of “you’ve brought disgrace on our club” rather than blaming the ref for sending them off & the way 9 men almost achieved the objective of holding on & pinching a goal. From disgrace emerged credit. 👏

@ledge_afcrd: Must have been a tough 24 hours for the board and management but ultimately the correct decision and setting the standard to other players. Up the Rushden 💎

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