Cup tie abandoned during penalty shoot out

AFC HINCKLEY and Atherstone Town have released a joint statement after their League Cup semi final clash was abandoned during a penalty shoot out after an Atherstone player was attacked by a fan.

The game had ended all square at 1-1 with Ky Green heading home in the last minute for AFC Hinckley to level the game after Ryan Quinn’s first half penalty for the Adders.

The tie went to penalties and with it delicately balanced at 1-1 in the shoot out, video released on social media shows an Atherstone player being attacked by a fan before he is pulled off by other players and the game was abandoned by the referee before the shoot out was completed

In light of the events the club released a joint statement condemning what unfolded.

It said: “Atherstone Town CFC and Hinckley AFC are incredibly saddened and disappointed at the events that led to the abandonment of last night’s league cup semi final. In what was a superb advert for non league in a competitive game between two clubs, who get on well and share mutual respect.

“The actions taken by the single individual, do not represent either club or indeed football fans, and have truly spoilt a positive shared occassion.

“We join with Hinckley AFC in this statement to ensure that the actions of individuals who feel it is appropriate to breach what is standard and orderly behaviour at a football match, are punished appropriately, inclusive of sharing that information with the authorities and police.

“We would also like to state that admissions in the heat of the moment do not represent the brilliant people and volunteers that represent both our clubs, it is born from frustration and a need to protect what we love.

With a day to converse, the reality of a single individuals poor choices is what should be punished appropriately.

“We will work directly with the relevant bodies in finding an outcome to conclude the match, especially one of such quality, but where our collective initial efforts will be concentrated is on a dual message - that people should stay away from local football clubs if your sole intent is to try and spoil the enjoyment of others.”

Both clubs are now awaiting news from the Midland Football League as to what happens next.