England's Under-15 World Cup Group C match against the Republic of Ireland in Baku was abandoned on Monday after England walked off following an allegation of racism. The Republic of Ireland were leading 4-1 at the time, and Fifa said it is investigating and gathering reports.
Match stopped in final minute
The alleged incident happened in the final minute of the match in Azerbaijan. Shortly before the end, after an altercation between players from both sides, an England player approached his bench and made a complaint to coaching staff.
Match footage showed England staff members relaying the complaint to the referee, alleging a racist slur had been said, and calling their players off. England head coach Matt Thorpe was then seen on DAZN asking for the referee to come over before calling his players off the pitch.
What was said on the touchline
After an initial report from Thorpe, the referee told England's coaching staff, "I cannot hear".
One of Thorpe's assistant coaches then told the referee, "we are reporting racism". He also said, "we do not want to play".
When another official came over and spoke about what would happen after the match, the assistant said, "No, our players do not want to play". He was later heard saying that a player was "upset".
Heated words were then exchanged between each set of coaching staff, with both saying they were trying to protect their players.
Fifa response
A spokesperson said: "Fifa is aware of an incident at the U-15 World Cup and Festival match between England and the Republic of Ireland."
The spokesperson added: "The match was abandoned by the referee following England's refusal to continue."
He also said: "The official reports are being gathered, and the matter will be referred to the independent disciplinary committee, who will decide in due course."
Next fixtures
England are scheduled to play Zimbabwe at 20:45 local time on Monday.
The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to face Cambodia at 20:45 local time on Monday.