England players leave pitch over alleged racist incident against Ireland at under-15 World Cup

Oct 26 (Reuters) - A game between England and Ireland at the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup was abandoned in Baku on Monday, after England's players walked off the pitch following an alleged racist insult by a member of the Irish team.

The incident occurred in the final minute of ⁠the match, with Ireland leading 4-1, when the referee signalled a freekick for England, which led to a number of scuffles between the players.

The England captain, after accompanying one of his teammates to the sideline, went to speak to the referee before coach Matt Thorpe ⁠and his staff told the players to leave the pitch.

"The match was abandoned by the referee following England's refusal to continue," a FIFA ⁠spokesperson said.

"The official reports are being gathered, and the matter will be referred to the independent disciplinary ⁠committee who will decide in due course."

The tournament, which features 189 countries, is taking ⁠place in Azerbaijan with teams comprising eight players and matches played over two 20-minute halves.

Reporting by Trevor Stynes Editing by Christian Radnedge