Former QPR, Salford and Lincoln City man Bruno Andrade has apologised after being released by AFC Rushden & Diamonds following an on-field altercation with teammate Tyler Winters.
The 32-year-old forward was sent off during Rushden’s 3-0 defeat at Loughborough Students on March 21, with the incident leaving his side to play on with nine men. Andrade, who is well known to EFL supporters from spells with Queens Park Rangers, Lincoln City and Salford City, later issued a short apology after the club confirmed he would not play again for them this season.
“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 that took me in and made me feel at home.
“The support and love were always acknowledged. I’m grateful. Sorry it ended this way.”
Rushden then issued a statement confirming both Andrade and Winters had been made available to leave with immediate effect after an internal review. The club said the incident fell short of the standards expected at a fan-owned side and confirmed there would be no further comment.
“AFC Rushden & Diamonds can confirm that, following an on-field altercation during yesterday’s fixture against Loughborough Students, the Club has informed both Bruno Andrade and Tyler Winters that they will not be selected for the remainder of the 2025/26 season and are free to pursue opportunities with other clubs.
“The actions seen during the incident do not reflect the standards we expect of those representing AFC Rushden & Diamonds. As a fan-owned, community-driven club, we have a responsibility to uphold those standards and to act when they are not met.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to both players for their efforts this season and recognise the contribution they have made to the Club’s performances. However, on this occasion, the issue extends beyond on-pitch contribution.
“This decision has been made following internal review and in consultation with First Team Management, while also taking into account feedback from our supporters.
“We recognise that football is an emotional game, but incidents of this nature require a clear and considered response in order to protect the integrity and reputation of the Club.
“The Club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Bruno Andrade Career
Andrade came through the youth ranks at QPR as a teammate of Raheem Sterling, and made four senior appearances for the club before loan spells with Aldershot Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Stevenage. He later rebuilt his career in non-league with Woking and Boreham Wood, where a prolific spell earned him a move to Lincoln City in 2018.
His best-known spell came with the Imps, where he played a key role in the 2018-19 League Two title-winning campaign, scoring 11 league goals in 59 appearances across his Lincoln career before a January 2020 move to Salford City. Since leaving Salford, he has also had spells with Stevenage, Boreham Wood, Maidenhead United, Chesham United, Kettering Town, Maidstone United and AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
He was also a Baller League winner in 2024, although he doesn’t appear on the roster this season, unlike Winters.