FORMER Colchester United forward Frank Nouble was allegedly racially abused while playing in a seven-a-side tournament for a West Ham United representative team in the United States.

The Hammers players walked off the pitch after the alleged incident, in the Soccer Tournament event.

 

Dallas have withdrawn from the £1million competition after the allegation, which came towards the end of the game with the American side leading 2-0.

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Nouble, who made more than 150 appearances for Colchester during his different spells for the club, left the U's in March and finished the season playing in the National League side Torquay United.

Former U's boss Hayden Mullins and ex-Colchester goalkeeper Jimmy Walker are also among taking part with the West Ham representative team, in North Carolina.

Gazette:

A West Ham statement read: "The players made a collective decision to walk off the pitch as a team in support of our player. As a club, everyone at West Ham United stands shoulder to shoulder in solidarity against all forms of discrimination and abuse."

A statement from TST read: "After conducting an investigation into the final moments of the match between West Ham United and Dallas United, we have concluded that Dallas United violated TST's code of conduct.

"We have been in dialogue with leadership from both clubs and we are all aligned that the best path forward is Dallas United withdrawing from competition. All parties involved are unified in wanting to make a statement against racial insensitivity.

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"We seek to run an event that is not only fiercely high stakes for all competitors, but also one in which all competitors feel safe and protected. As a result, tomorrow's game between Dallas United and Far East United has been cancelled."

The referee reportedly told players he did not hear what was said, before West Ham decided to walk off.

Dallas United wrote on Twitter: "In light of the shadow cast by an opposing player's accusation during tonight's match, the Dallas United players unanimously decided to withdraw from the remainder of the competition.

"Our coaches and staff fully support the team's decision. We thank @TST7v7 for the opportunity to compete in the tournament."

Wolves, Borussia Dortmund and Wrexham are among the other teams taking part.