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A Sikh footballer was told he can’t play a match after a referee refused to let him on the pitch wearing a banadana .

Leicester Nirvana striker Gurdeep Mudhar, 21, was wearing the head gear in lieu of a turban, according to his religious beliefs.

But he was blocked from playing against Huntingdon Town FC at an away game on January 21.

So in solidarity, his teammates refused to play the match until the ref allowed Mr Mudhar to join in, reports the Leicester Mercury .

Nirvana officials said that although it is within the rules for players to sport headwear, the match official approached him and said he could not play in the United Counties Football League Match.

(Image: SWNS.com)

The club's first team secretary Zak Hajat said: "He (Gurdeep) always plays in the bandana.

"It's never been a problem anywhere else but the referee went up to him and said: 'You're not playing in that’.

"I think it was more out of ignorance because he didn't know the rules rather than anything else.

"But it was embarrassing for him (Gurdeep).

"The other players were right behind him - if he's not playing we're not."

There was a brief stand-off while Mr Hajat called UCL officials.

He added: "I had a guy from the league on the phone and I was going to put him onto the ref but he backed down.

(Image: SWNS.com)

"The great thing is he (Gurdeep) then did his talking on the pitch."

Gurdeep scored both Nirvana goals in a 2-1 victory - including a 92nd minute penalty.

The club has however made a complaint to the FA about the referee and says more needs to be done to make officials aware of the rules to prevent similar situations in the future.

In a statement, the club added: "What we find very difficult is the lack of appreciation or understanding of the impact that these types of events have on the club, the team, the community and most importantly the players concerned.

"Nirvana is one of the most diverse clubs in the country, and have been put in a position where a lack of training or cultural understanding has yet again, resulted in discrimination."

The Mercury contacted the FA and the UCL for comment but neither organisation has yet responded.