GRAYS Athletic's match with Barking was abandoned after 70 minutes this afternoon after visiting manager Justin Gardner allegedly refused to leave the pitch.

Blues were leading 1-0 at the time of the incident, with Kieran Bishop's goal supposedly sparking an incident on the touchline.

Unconfirmed reports suggest angry words were spoken between both management teams following the goal although it would appear that Gardner's refusal to leave the pitch is what led to the referee calling time on the encounter.

And Jamie Stuart, Grays manager, believes his team should be awarded the points.

"A lot was said today, everyone heard," said Stuart. "The ref asked me to walk away from the situation so I did. The ref asked their manager [Gardner] to leave the pitch a number of times, he refused, leaving the ref no opportunity to continue play.

"We were leading 1-0 with 70 minutes played. I think it is unfair if we are made to replay the fixture."

Grays have released a statement since the incident.

It reads: "The club can confirm that this afternoon's fixture between ourselves and Barking FC was abandoned.

"This followed lengthy discussions between the match officials and the Barking bench shortly after Kieran Bishop opened the scoring for the Blues.

"Obviously, the referees report will outline the reason for the abandonment and the club will make no further comment at this stage."

A total of eight yellow cards were shown during the feisty encounter.