Goalkeeper escorted off pitch by security after ‘punching a fan’ during match

Enfield Town goalkeeper Joe Wright was escorted from the pitch by security during a non-league match against Chelmsford City after allegedly punching a supporter

A footballer was removed from the pitch by security staff after allegedly punching a supporter during a non-league fixture on Friday. Security personnel flanked Enfield Town goalkeeper Joe Wright as he left the field following their match against Chelmsford City.

Jeers rang out as Wright made his way down the tunnel accompanied by a match official, security staff and personnel from Chelmsford City Football Club. Both clubs failed to respond to repeated requests for comment by Essex Live.

The alleged altercation took place during the Essex side’s league clash with Enfield Town at the Melbourne Community Stadium. The match was brought to a halt after approximately 74 minutes as a result of the incident.

A social media post from Chelmsford City FC claimed the goalkeeper ‘has just hit someone in the crowd’. A further post shortly after, once play had resumed, stated: “We have video evidence of Joe Wright punching a fan.”

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Both social media posts have since been removed. The official X account for Enfield Town claimed: “The ref has stopped the game here in unsavoury circumstances. There’s clearly been some words exchanged between Wright and the Chelmsford fans, who have thrown a missile in his direction.”

Essex Live contacted both clubs for a statement, neither of which had responded at the time of publication. An image obtained by Essex Live revealed security staff in high-visibility jackets positioned along a section of the pitch behind the goal for the remainder of the game.

Chelmsford City were two goals to the good at the time of the alleged incident, courtesy of strikes from Lyle Taylor and Archie Tamplin. The Clarets ultimately ran out 3-0 winners in front of a crowd of 2,200, with Antony Papadopolous wrapping up the points for the Essex outfit.

The result leaves Chelmsford City sitting just two points outside the National League South play-off places in the sixth tier of English football.

Essex Live understands the Football Association will examine the match official’s report from the fixture. Essex Police confirmed they had received no reports of any criminal activity.

Both Chelmsford City Football Club and Enfield Town Football Club have been contacted for a response.

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