FA Vase tie abandoned after player allegedly assaulted by supporter

The first round qualifying game was 70 minutes old when it had to be stopped with Peacehaven leading 2-0 against their Southern Combination League rivals at the Robert Albon Memorial Ground.

The final 20 minutes of the tie couldn’t be completed, however, after a Worthing player was allegedly punched by a spectator as he was being substituted.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed until October 3 while the Sussex FA have launched an investigation of their own.

An official statement from Sussex Police read: “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 3rd pending further enquiries.”

“After receiving reports from the game, we are currently investigating the matter but no further comment is available at this time,” Sussex FA chief executive Ken Benham told the Worthing Herald.

It is currently unclear if and when the game will be replayed with the next round of the Vase scheduled to be played on Saturday, September 24.