Team-mates told to find new clubs after on-pitch fight

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Bruno Andrade played in the English Football League for Stevenage as recently as 2022

Published1 hour ago

Non-league Rushden & Diamonds have told Bruno Andrade and Tyler Winters to look for other clubs after an on-pitch fight led to both being sent off.

The two team-mates were shown red cards following the incident in the first half of Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Loughborough Students.

A club statement, external said Andrade and Winters had been told they would not be picked again for the remainder of the Northern Premier League Midlands Division season and they are "free to pursue opportunities" elsewhere.

The statement continued: "The actions seen during the incident do not reflect the standards we expect of those representing AFC Rushden & Diamonds. As a fan-owned, community-driven club, we have a responsibility to uphold those standards and to act when they are not met.

"This decision has been made following internal review and in consultation with first team management, while also taking into account feedback from our supporters.

"We recognise that football is an emotional game, but incidents of this nature require a clear and considered response in order to protect the integrity and reputation of the club."

Speaking following the game, manager Elliott Sandy told BBC Radio Northampton that the actions of the pair had cost Diamonds the game.

"They let themselves down, they let the team down, they let the club down," he said.

"Apologies to the fans who travelled and credit to the boys who gave absolutely everything for 70 minutes, down to nine men, ran themselves into the ground on a big pitch, on a hot day, against a team who move the ball."

On Andrade and Winters, he added: "I know they are bitterly disappointed themselves, really upset with the situation, but it's not good enough. We'll deal with that internally."

Both players joined Diamonds last summer, 32-year-old Andrade on dual registration from Bedford Town, external and Winters, 20, from Peterborough Sports.

Portugal-born Andrade has extensive experience in the game, his previous clubs including Queens Park Rangers, for whom he made his EFL debut in 2010, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage, Lincoln City and Salford City.

Winters, meanwhile, made a name for himself on TV, playing for Yanited FC in the first season of Baller League - a televised six-a-side tournament in which a mixture of former and current professional players, celebrities and influencers compete in 30-minute matches.

Both players expressed regret for the incident in posts on social media.

"To the fans, staff, players I want to thank you for an incredible season and your support has been unbelievable things happen. I tried to remove myself from the situation long before the red but got told to carry on. I wish you the best for the rest of the season," Winters posted on X., external

"I want thank everyone from the bottom of my heart to everyone associated with the club from top to bottom for everything. Especially the fans that took me in and made me feel at home. The support and love was always acknowledged. I'm grateful. Sorry it's ended this way," said Andrade., external

The match result left Rushden & Diamonds ninth in the table, external, five points outside the play-off places with seven games remaining.

They play their next game on Tuesday, at home to Belper Town.