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IN CHARGE: An assistant referee brandishes his offside flag

AFTER AN assistant referee was allegedly racially abused during a football match, a man has been cautioned with a racially aggravated public order offence by the authorities.

The game between Hartlepool sides Lion Hillcarter and Supporters Athletic at Grayfields Recreation Ground on May 12 ended abruptly after the linesman was the alleged recipient of racial abuse from a supporter during the second-half.

Although the supporter was removed, the game ended during the half-time of extra-time because, according to the Hartlepool Mail, the assistant referee was ‘too upset to continue’.

The incident was then reported to the police, which led to the caution.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “A 48-year-old man received a caution following a racially aggravated public order offence. The views of the victim were taken into account as part of the decision making progress.”