League Two side walk off pitch and refuse to continue playing pre-season friendly

Salford City's pre-season friendly at York City was abandoned on Friday night after the away players were allegedly subjected to racial abuse from fans. The game at the LNER Community Stadium was locked at 3-3 late on when Salford players, led by manager Karl Robinson, walked off the pitch before the game was officially abandoned.

Both the home club and North Yorkshire Police are now investigating the incident, and a 23-year-old man from York has been arrested in connection with the incident. League Two club Salford have also released a statement on social media explaining the team's decision. They wrote: "Salford City players were subjected to racial abuse during this evening's friendly against York City.

"The matter was swiftly reported to authorities, and Salford's team was taken off the pitch by manager Karl Robinson. The incident is now being investigated by both York City and local police.

"Salford City condemns racism in all forms, will always protect and defend its players and staff from any form of behaviour of this kind, and condemns this evening's behaviour in the strongest possible terms."

The club, part-owned by Manchester United legends David Beckham and Gary Neville, also thanked York for its response to the matter. The National League outfit also warned its own fans that sanctions would be imposed.

"Any spectators who may have witnessed tonight's events should contact North Yorkshire Police or York City Football Club as soon as possible," they said. "Any supporter found guilty of racial abuse will face the strongest possible sanctions from the club."

According to BBC Radio York, the incident took place while a Salford player was substituted. Noises were alleged to have been made in the direction of the away dugout, with the player then confronting a fan.

Stewards were then said to have reacted and escorted a supporter out of the stadium. Given that the match was a pre-season friendly, it is not expected to be replayed.