DARLINGTON will be launching an investigation into the alleged abuse of a female match official that resulted in yesterday’s 5-2 win at Scarborough Athletic being suspended for more than half-an-hour.

The Quakers’ victory at Scarborough’s Flamingo Land Stadium was blighted by misogynistic comments that were allegedly directed at assistant referee Emily Carney during both halves of the game.

During the first half, Carney, who was running the line directly in front of the 820 Darlington fans, briefly interrupted play to speak to the match referee, Dean Watson.

Play resumed, but at half-time, a message was twice read out via the public address system, asking “supporters of both sides” to refrain from using misogynistic and abusive language.

Carney swapped sides during the break, which would not normally happen, meaning she started the second half running the line in front of Scarborough’s supporters.

However, nine minutes in the second half, after Jacob Hazel scored to make it 3-0 to Darlington, Carney had another conversation with Watson and play was stopped once again.

The players left the field for approximately 30 minutes amid confusion about what was going on, before they eventually returned to complete the fixture, with more than half-an-hour of stoppage time being played.

Darlington will not be making any comment on the incidents at this stage, but have launched an investigation into what went on.

Quakers are appealing for witnesses who were present at the Flamingo Land Stadium to come forward to assist their investigation.

A statement released via Darlington’s social media channels 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 Email ray.simpson@darlingtonfc.org in the strictest confidence.