A man has been banned by Darlington Football Club for shouting misogynistic abuse at Bolton-based official Emily Carney during a National League North game earlier this month.

The individual, who was positively identified using video footage of the game alongside testimonies from several fans at pitch-side, will be unable to watch Darlington’s home games for the next 12 months.

The incident occurred at Scarborough’s Flamingo Land Stadium on January 2 and following a half-time appeal to the 820-strong crowd, further reports, involving home supporters, were then reported by the match referee Dean Watson, prompting a 30-minute delay to the game.

Both clubs could now receive heavy fines from the Football Association.

A statement read: “Darlington Football Club has made it very clear that it strongly condemns any sort of discriminatory behaviour and we are determined to ‘kick it out’ and provide a friendly and welcoming environment.

“We will not tolerate or condone racist, misogynist, sexist, homophobic or any other form of discriminatory behaviour whether physical or verbal.

“The club works with various National bodies to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

“Both Scarborough and Darlington may face substantial fines and/ or other sanctions from the FA in regard to this incident which will need to be funded by both fan-owned clubs.

“Once again, we apologise to the assistant and referee team, the other match officials, Scarborough Athletic Football Club, the FA and the National League for the unacceptable misconduct of our supporters.”

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.

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form