England Under-15s walk off pitch against Ireland in World Cup after racism allegation

England gather at the side of the pitch in their match against Ireland in the Under-15 World Cup after one of their player’s player alleged he was called a monkey. Photograph: Dazn

England abandoned their Under-15 World Cup match against the Republic of Ireland on Monday after a player reported being subjected to a racist slur. Fifa confirmed it was investigating what happened in the final minute of the Group C fixture in Baku, Azerbaijan, when Ireland were leading 4-1.

Footage showed an England player approaching the bench after an altercation. He is believed to have alleged an opponent called him a “monkey” and raised a complaint with the coaching staff, prompting England’s head coach, Matt Thorpe, to approach the referee.