[Source: Reuters]

A pre-season friendly between English lower-division teams Dunston UTS and Gateshead FC had to be abandoned after masked men drove a funeral hearse onto the pitch.

According to a Gateshead supporter who spoke to BBC, posters were thrown out of the car’s window in protest before “two people in ski masks” exited the hearse, got into a silver car, and drove off.

“Due to an incident on the pitch occurring shortly after halftime, tonight’s match has been abandoned by the referee,” Gateshead wrote on Twitter.

ℹ️ Due to an incident on the pitch occurring shortly after half time, tonight’s match has been abandoned by the referee.#WorClub ⚪️⚫️

— Gateshead FC (@GatesheadFC) July 21, 2023