FA Vase tie between Worthing and Peacehaven abandoned after fan runs onto the pitch and punches player in the face
The shocking incident happened with just 20 minutes of the first round tie remaining, with Peacehaven leading 2-0
A NON-LEAGUE football match was abandoned at the weekend when a fan ran onto the pitch and punched a player in the face.
The shocking incident happened in the FA Vase clash between Worthing United and Peacehaven mid-way through the second half.
With visitors Peacehaven leading the first round clash, a spectator ran onto the pitch at the Robert Alton Memorial Ground, and assaulted one of the Worthing players.
The referee was forced to bring a premature end to the clash on the 70-minute mark.
A spokesperson for Sussex FA told SunSport: "Once all evidence has been received, the Sussex County FA will be investigating the incident and will deal with the matter in accordance within the FA Regulations."
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And an official statement from the police reads: “A spectator is reported to have punched a Worthing United player in the face as he was leaving the pitch to be substituted. The player was seen to by medical staff.
“A 24-year-old man from Rottingdean, arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, has been bailed until October 3 pending further enquiries.”
Prior to the unsavoury incident, a brace from Josh Marshall had seemingly put Peacehaven on the road to a second round clash against Canterbury City.
It is not known at this time whether the result will stand, or the tie be replayed. Both teams play in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division.
A statement on Peacehaven's website reads: "Due to the abandonment, Peacehaven & Telscombe FC will be holding a full investigation into the incident.
"No further comments will be made by the club until police have completed their enquiries."
SunSport have contacted Worthing United FC for comment.