The game, which the Quakers eventually won 5-2 at the Flamingo Land Stadium, kicked off at 1pm, but did not finish until around 3.40pm following a 38-minute second-half suspension; an announcement warning spectators about abusive language was made over the public address system
Monday 2 January 2023 20:49, UK
Scarborough's National League North fixture with Darlington was delayed for almost 40 minutes amid allegations of abuse aimed at a female official.
The game, which the Quakers eventually won 5-2 at the Flamingo Land Stadium to return to the top of the table, kicked off at 1pm, but did not finish until around 3.40pm following a 38-minute second-half suspension.
An announcement warning spectators about abusive language was made over the public address system after a brief first-half stoppage following a conversation between referee and assistant, listed as Dean Watson and assistant Emily Carney.
Darlington later issued an appeal for witnesses following an allegation of "misogynistic remarks" from the visitors' section.
A statement on the club's official website 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.
"Darlington FC wholeheartedly condemns such conduct, and so if you witnessed these incidents and can help identify the culprits, then please e-mail ray.simpson@darlingtonfc.org in the strictest of confidence."
However, shortly after Jacob Hazel had put the Quakers 3-0 ahead with his second goal nine minutes into the second half, the game was stopped again following further problems.
A post on Scarborough's official Twitter account said: "We would like to emphasise that discriminatory language of any nature will not be tolerated. Please respect the match officials, players and fellow fans."
Both sets of players returned to warm up again after a break of around 28 minutes with the game resuming 10 minutes later.
Mark Beck, who had opened the scoring, made it 4-0 and Jack Lambert added a fifth before Michael Coulson struck twice in the closing stages to reduce the deficit.
A later statement from Darlington read: "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 eyewitnesses to come forward in the strictest of confidence."
Sky Sports News understands the FA will review the referee's report once it has been received and will be investigating as a matter of urgency.
