Rushden & Diamonds: Bruno Andrade and Tyler Winters leave after on-pitch fight

Speaking after the match, manager Elliot Sandy told BBC Radio Northampton that the duo’s actions had cost the Diamonds the game.

“They let themselves down, they let the team down, they let the club down,” he said.

“I apologize to the fans who traveled and thank the players who gave absolutely everything for 70 minutes, including nine players, running down the floor in a big stadium, on a hot day, against a team that moved the ball.”

Regarding Andrade and Winters, he added: “I know they are bitterly disappointed, and really upset about the situation, but this is not good enough. We will deal with that internally.”

Both players joined the Diamonds last summer, with 32-year-old Andrade being a dual-register from Bedford Town., external and Winters, 20, of Peterborough Sports.

Portugal-born Andrade has extensive experience in the game, and his previous clubs include Queens Park Rangers, with whom he made his Premier League debut in 2010, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage, Lincoln City and Salford City.

Meanwhile, Winters made a name for himself on television, playing for Yanited FC in the first season of the Baller League – a televised six-a-side tournament in which a mix of former and current professional players, celebrities and influencers compete in 30-minute matches.

Both players took to social media to express their regret over the incident in Loughborough.

“To the fans, staff and players, I want to thank you for an amazing season and your support. Unbelievable things have happened. I tried to get myself out of the situation long before I was sent off but was told to move on. Wishing you the best for the rest of the season,” Winters posted on X., external

“I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart to everyone associated with the club from top to bottom for everything. Especially the fans who welcomed me and made me feel at home. The support and love has always been acknowledged. I’m grateful. Sorry, it ended this way,” Andrade said., external

The result of the match left Rushden & Diamonds in ninth place in the table, externalFive points outside the playoff positions with seven matches remaining.

They will play their next match on Tuesday, at home to Belper Town.