Forest's Azae Bonnick is part of the England squad competing at the inaugural Under-15 World Cup

An England match at FIFA’s new Under-15 World Cup was abandoned on Monday after their players walked off the field following an allegation of racism.

Nottingham Forest youngster Azae Bonnick is part of the England squad competing at the inaugural competition. His call-up came a matter of weeks after he made his debut at B Team level in the Garibaldi, having played against Burton Albion in the EFL Trophy.

Regarding the Group C match on Monday, footage on social media appears to show England coach Matt Thorpe beckoning his players off the field after a confrontation between one of their players and an Irish opponent. Words also appeared to be exchanged between the two coaching teams, and the game at the tournament in Azerbaijan was stopped with the Republic of Ireland leading 4-1.

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A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is aware of an incident at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival match between England and the Republic of Ireland. The match was abandoned by the referee following England’s refusal to continue. The official reports are being gathered, and the matter will be referred to the independent disciplinary committee who will decide in due course.”

The Football Association is aware of the incident and understood to be awaiting more information. England were back in action against Zimbabwe later on Monday, winning 2-0.

This is the first time the Under-15 World Cup has been held. It involves 189 countries and territories.

Matches are played in an eight-a-side format with two 20-minute halves. The competition will come to a close on Saturday, October 31.

Prior to the tournament starting, Roberto Grassi, FIFA Head of Youth Tournaments, had told FIFA’s official website: “This World Cup/Festival is an amazing and truly ambitious project. It is what FIFA is all about: a global community united around football for all, and especially for the young ones, because they are the foundation of the game.

“Can you imagine how many of these young boys will travel abroad for the first time in their lives, wearing their country’s jersey? That is exactly what we are here for.”