Assault and abuse force abandonment of cricket match in Scotland

A cricket match in Edinburgh, Scotland, was abandoned due to abuse from football fans, prompting a police investigation. The incident occurred during a game between Murrayfield DAFS Cricket Club and Stewart's Melville Cricket Club at Roseburn Park on Saturday.

Murrayfield DAFS Cricket Club reported that their players were subjected to sexist, homophobic, and racist abuse. The abuse came from Rangers and Manchester United fans walking towards a nearby stadium. The club also claimed that two players were assaulted but the police did not intervene.

"Very upset that our 4th team had to abandon their game today due a combination of sexist, homophobic and racist abuse at Roseburn Park outside Murrayfield Stadium today against Stewart's Melville Cricket Club,” Murrayfield DAFS posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The club further stated, "Not only that, there were two instances of physical assault that were perpetrated on players. The perpetrators of said abuse were fans of football clubs playing a friendly at Murrayfield Stadium - and police were standing 50 yards away."

The club criticized the police for not taking action. 

"Two sets of officers did absolutely nothing to prevent or stop any of the events from taking place - and in fact flat our refused to help when pressed by players. It's incredibly sad and desperate that we still have to deal with instances like this."

Murrayfield DAFS is drafting a complaint to Police Scotland and other authorities to ensure such incidents do not happen again. "We have worked tirelessly to make Roseburn Park a welcoming, all-inclusive venue for cricket - but days like today harm that irreparably - especially when those who can help refuse," the club added.

Phil Yelland, the president of Murrayfield DAFS, condemned the behavior of the football fans in a Facebook post, calling it “totally unacceptable.”

"Players playing any sport in a public space should be able to do so without fear of violence and without homophobic and racial abuse and other anti-social behavior,” Yelland said.

He also mentioned that one player has filed a police report, which is being followed up. The club has contacted the event organizers at Murrayfield and local community leaders to express their concerns.