Kempston Rovers players walked off the pitch in the 94th minute of their Spartans South Midlands Premier Division tie at Harlow Town on Saturday (27 September) following allegations of racial abuse from fans.
The game was subsequently abandoned, and Essex Police attended the Harlow Arena, home ground of Harlow Town.
The step five match was on the verge of finishing, with Harlow Town 4-2 up after Kempston Rovers had already seen a man sent off, plus their manager Leon Cashman, before the alleged incident that saw the visiting players walk off the pitch.
The Bedford Independent has been unable to verify the exact events that led up to the abandonment, but a number of posts on social media claim racist abuse was directed towards a Kempston Rovers player.
Game abandoned
— Kempston Rovers FC (@Kempston_Rovers) September 27, 2025
Massive incident including their supporters and we walk off the pitch pic.twitter.com/gIiUTvpPa2
Both clubs have been approached for comment. Kempston Rovers have declined to comment as the incident is being investigated, while Harlow Town did not respond in time for publication.
“When will we stand up?”
Two Kempston Rovers players, as well as manager Leon Cashman, have commented on social media following the clash on Saturday evening.
“Racism is not acceptable, full stop”, wrote Cashman.
“It has absolutely no place in a game that people love – a game that’s meant to unite us, not divide us.
“The FA talk about zero tolerance, but unless you’re playing in the Premier League or on a televised stage, incidents are too often ignored or brushed under the carpet. That’s not good enough.
“As a club, Kempston Rovers will not tolerate racism. If it happens, we will walk away, we will forfeit any game where racism takes place. Our players’ safety, dignity and respect comes first, always.”
Kempston Rovers midfielder, Aaron Hudson also posted on X, calling it “one of the worst things I’ve experienced on a football pitch”, while Rovers captain, Kacper Kurylowicz added, “to have a teammate racially abused is sickening”.
Kurylowicz also claims the response from the officials was “embarrassing”, claiming they told him to “Get a grip of your team” following the incident.
There is not yet an indication as to whether the final result will stand, and this decision will be taken by the committee of the Spartans South Midlands Football League.
The Bedfordshire FA was also approached for comment regarding the ongoing work by the football authorities to address racism in the game, but no one was available to respond in time for publication.
