Clapton CFC will not face any FA charges over the abandoned London & South East Regional Women’s Trophy final against Dulwich Hamlet Reserves.

The Women’s First Team game at Maidstone United on Sunday, May 25 was called off after around 20 minutes due to the presence of a Palestine flag among the Clapton support and an anti-genocide banner among the Dulwich support.

In a statement posted on May 30, Maidstone claimed the decision was made – in consultation with league and match officials – because the flag and banner created a ‘perceived risk to safety’.

The London FA began an investigation on Tuesday, May 27, as is standard for any abandoned game, asking for witness statements, video footage and photographs.

On June 11, the London FA informed us there was no case to answer and that the flags present did not constitute a risk to safety but were there to ‘show support and solidarity’.

Dulwich Hamlet will also face no charges – you can read their statement here.

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 Dulwich too – had our big day ruined.

We will be seeking further clarification with appropriate bodies on the prospect of a replay and refunds, plus training for and apologies from those individuals involved.