Abandoned women’s cup final at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium: finalists face no action after Palestine flags waved by supporters

Neither of the clubs involved in a women's cup final, which was stopped after stadium management objected to Palestine flags in the crowd, will face any charges.

Clapton CFC and Dulwich Hamlet Reserves were just 20 minutes into the London and South East Regional Women’s Football League Trophy final at Maidstone United's Gallagher Stadium on May 25 when the game came to an abrupt halt.

Clapton claimed a representative of Maidstone United demanded supporters stop displaying a Palestinian flag and an anti-genocide banner among the Dulwich Hamlet fans.

The two teams were offered the opportunity to continue to play behind closed doors, but Clapton, who were leading 2-0 when the match was called off, declined.

In a statement afterwards, the club said both sets of supporters “did not wish to remove their flag/banner” during the match.

Meanwhile, a statement released by Maidstone United in the days following the match read: “Maidstone United is a football club serving the local community.

“Ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for spectators in the stadium is a priority. The club does not engage in politics of any kind.”

An investigation was launched and three weeks on, both finalists have announced they will face no further action following a decision by the London FA.

The organisation says it can see “supporters were displaying the flags and banners in solidarity and support, and not in a way to incite any violence or aggravation”.

At the time, league bosses also declared the final void.

But Clapton says it hopes a replay can be arranged at a later date.

A spokesperson for the club said: “The decision, while of course a relief, clearly does not make up for the fact that our players and hundreds of supporters – and those of