A women’s football cup final was abandoned after the stadium’s management allegedly objected to fans flying Palestinian flags in the stands.
Clapton Community were up against Dulwich Hamlet Reserves on Sunday in the London and South East Regional Women’s Football League Trophy final at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium.
The East London side got off to an explosive start and were up 2-0 midway during the first half.
But the game in Kent came to an abrupt halt when supporters from both sides, in a crowd of around 300, were approached by a ground representative.
Spectators were reportedly told to stop waving Palestinian flags, as well as a banner which read “Show genocide the red card”.
⚽️ Clapton Community 2-A-0 Dulwich Hamlet reserves
— Tim Harrison (@timbogb) May 25, 2025
🏆 London & South East Regional Trophy Final
🏟 Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone
🎟 £8 📖 £2 👨👩👧👦 300
📆 Sunday 25 May 2 PM
20’ ground official objects to Palestine flags, match abandoned #groundhopping @claptoncfc @dhfc_w pic.twitter.com/EUh48MnLM4
Pictures of the crunch fixture also showed several blue, pink and white transgender flags and placards.
An image also showed Clapton CFC Women players on the pitch with Palestine flags.
It is unclear why fans were allegedly asked to remove the Palestine flags and banners.
After both groups of supporters refused, the groundsman called the officials together and communicated that the ground could not be used while both the flags and banner were displayed.
Both teams were offered the chance to finish the game behind closed doors, but declined, resulting in the match being declared void after 20 minutes.
Clapton CPC said in a statement: "Our players and supporters are united in their support and concern for Palestinians who are being bombed daily.
Statement from our opponents Dulwich Hamlet on the abandoned L&SERWFL final 👇 https://t.co/xJuugB9yyS
— Clapton CFC (@ClaptonCFC) May 26, 2025
"Showing that support with a flag or banner is no reason to abandon a cup final."
Dulwich Hamlet chairman’s Ben Clasper added: “While we await the full facts of what happened, we have seen no evidence that our fans have behaved in any way other than the peaceful and dignified manner that we would expect from them, in accordance with the values of our club and that the banners on display were not new, are not in breach of any laws or rules and have been to many games before this final.
“We are very disappointed that the L&SERWFL Trophy final has ended in this fashion, and we look forward to a full explanation as to how this was allowed to happen. “
The Premier League previously determined that Israeli and Palestinian flags should not be permitted at matches following the October 7 massacre and the IDF’s military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
The L&SERWFL, the fifth tier of the women’s football pyramid,declared the cup final void and confirmed there will be no replay for the conclusion of season's competition.
Both clubs now face the prospect of a disciplinary process by the Football Association following the incident.
Neither club has indicated whether they will appeal the league's decision to void the result rather than reschedule the cup decider.
Founded in 2018, Clapton CFC in Hackney describe themselves as a “members-owned, members-run football club” that supports the Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) movement.
Meanwhile, Dulwich Hamlet in Southwark is known as “London’s most hipster football club” because of its support for initiatives such as food banks, LGBT+ groups and mental health charities.
The Standard has approached Maidstone United and the FA for comment.
