Hinckley AFC and Atherstone Town CFC 'incredibly saddened and disappointed' by events that meant semi-final match was abandoned

"The reality of a single individual’s poor choices is what should be punished appropriately.'

Hinckley AFC and Atherstone Town CFC have released a joint statement after their semi-final match on Wednesday (19th April) was abandoned during a penalty shoot-out.

The teams said they are 'incredibly saddened and disappointed' and are working to find an outcome of the match.

Atherstone Town CFC posted on twitter that someone invaded the pitch during the game.

Hinckley AFC and Atherstone Town CFC, said: "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 occasion.

"We join with Atherstone Town 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 individual’s 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 enjoyment of others."

After last night’s abandoned MPLC semi-final we await the decision of the @MidlandLeague as to what the outcome of the tie will be.

One mindless individual totally spoilt a gripping derby game by attacking a player, not what we want to see associated with football at any level

— Atherstone Town Community FC (@FCAtherstone) April 20, 2023