Non-League teammates who were sent off for fighting each other are told to find new clubs | OneFootball

Non-league club Rushden and Diamonds have taken decisive action against two players, Bruno Andrade and Tyler Winters, after they were sent off for fighting each other during this weekend’s match.

The club has informed both individuals they are free to pursue opportunities elsewhere and will not be selected for the remainder of the 2025-26 season following the "inexcusable" altercation.

The incident unfolded just 20 minutes into Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Loughborough Students in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division. Andrade, 32, who boasts experience with full-time clubs including QPR, Lincoln, and Salford, and 20-year-old Winters, known for his participation in the Baller League, both joined Rushden and Diamonds last summer.

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Winters has played in Baller League (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Archive)

In a statement, the fan-owned, community-driven club emphasised its commitment to standards: "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."

The club added that while football is an emotional game, such incidents demand a "clear and considered response" to safeguard its integrity and reputation.

Manager Elliot Sandy expressed his strong disapproval to club media, stating: "They had a bit of a disagreement on the pitch and obviously culminated in those two coming together. The linesman said there was a bit of hands and stuff between the two of them, and obviously two red cards.

“They’ve let themselves down, let the club down, they’ve let their teammates down. It’s inexcusable."

The club’s live commentary on X described the event as an "absolute nightmare" and a "shocking event".

Rushden and Diamonds are due to return to action when they face Belper Town at home on Tuesday night, but it has been made clear that Andrade and Winters will not be involved following Saturday’s incident.