A Southern Football League match between Maccabi London Lions and Hitchin Town FC was abandoned on Saturday after Hitchin players allegedly directed antisemitic slurs at the predominantly Jewish London Lions team. Eyewitnesses and club officials reported that the insults persisted despite the referee’s efforts, ultimately leading to the match being halted.
The incident occurred at the Lions’ Rowley Lane ground, with Hitchin leading 2-0 at the 85th minute. The Lions players reportedly decided collectively to leave the field in protest against the repeated insults. Spectators described the situation as shocking, noting that relations between the clubs have traditionally been friendly.
Sources claim Hitchin players used derogatory slurs, including “big-nosed c***s,” toward the Lions’ players. Even after complaints were made to the referee, the abuse persisted, prompting the official to abandon the match in accordance with Football Association protocols. The FA allows referees to halt or end matches if discriminatory behavior continues despite warnings.
Semi-professional side London Lions are affiliated with the Maccabi sports network—a long-established Jewish athletic organisation in the UK. Club representatives said the players were shaken by the incident and distressed that a routine weekend fixture turned into a display of targeted hostility.
Hitchin Town issued a statement acknowledging the allegations and confirming that they are working with relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation.
They stressed that “as a club we will not tolerate any forms of discrimination or abuse and we will await the findings of the investigation upon which we will then provide a further update.”
