A football match involving Bolton referee Emily Carney was halted for more than 30 minutes after abusive comments were aimed towards her by supporters.

The National League North match between Scarborough Athletic and Darlington was temporarily interrupted by referee Dean Watson after a report of allegedly misogynistic remarks from away supporters towards Carney – who was running the line - during the first half.

At half-time a message asking 820 supporters "of both sides" to refrain from using misogynistic and abusive language was twice read out over the public address system at the Flamingo Land Stadium.

The Bolton News: Emily CarneyEmily Carney (Image: Newsquest)

But another incident in the second half, this time involving Scarborough fans, prompted both teams to be removed from the pitch for 30 minutes.

Both clubs have condemned the behaviour of the supporters in question and appealed for witnesses to come forward in confidence.

Carney, from Morris Green, started refereeing at the age of 14 in the Bolton and Bury District League and also played for Ladybridge.

She attended Mount St Joseph’s and Bolton Sixth Form, passing a UEFA B Licence, before moving into refereeing with the help of the Lancashire FA.

Carney worked her way up the ladder and was assistant referee at the Women’s FA Cup final in May between Chelsea and Manchester City.

She joined the FIFA list in 2020 and has officiated in the Women’s Champions League, World Cup qualification fixtures and a number of domestic fixtures at Championship level.

A statement posted on Darlington’s official website at half time in the game said: “During the first half of the game at Scarborough, the female assistant was subject to alleged misogynistic remarks from one or two Darlington fans.

The Bolton News: Emily CarneyEmily Carney (Image: Newsquest)

“Darlington FC wholeheartedly condemns such conduct, and so if you witnessed these incidents and can help identify the culprits, then please email ray.simpson@darlingtonfc.org in the strictest of confidence.”

After the game, Darlington added: “There was a subsequent incident after half time, believed to involve Scarborough fans, which resulted in a delay of 30 minutes.

“Darlington FC also condemns this incident, and encourages any eye witnesses to come forward in the strictest of confidence.”