Newport County condemn fan misconduct after Walsall FA Cup match disruption
Newport County say a small minority of supporters has damaged the club's reputation and finances through alleged racist abuse, homophobic chants, pitch invasions, fighting and fireworks, after their FA Cup win over Walsall was briefly halted.
Newport County have publicly condemned what they describe as unacceptable behaviour by a small minority of their supporters, saying a series of alleged incidents this season has cost the club money and harmed its reputation. The club listed racist abuse, pitch invasions, fighting and the setting off of fireworks among the matters it has confronted, and said several have been passed to football and regulatory authorities for investigation.
The statement followed alleged homophobic chants at Rodney Parade on Saturday, when Newport's FA Cup first-round win over Walsall was stopped for five minutes in the second half. Referee Robert Massey-Ellis consulted both managers and captains and appeared to gesture toward the home crowd near the dugouts. The club noted that homophobic and discriminatory chants breach FA rules and are classed as a hate crime, and that it could face charges from the FA or police.
Newport said the incidents have already caused reputational damage regardless of how the investigations conclude, and have detracted from the positive support given by the majority of fans. The club also pointed to the financial burden, saying it has had to commit extra resources to stewarding, security, crowd management, investigations and preventative measures, and argued that money spent responding to misconduct cannot go toward football operations, supporter facilities or future development.
The club warned that continued incidents could bring disciplinary action and financial sanctions from the FA and may affect relationships with governing bodies, sponsors, community partners and other stakeholders. Newport said it will work with the FA, the English Football League, Gwent Police and other bodies, and pledged a robust approach toward behaviour that brings the club into disrepute or puts others at risk.
Newport stressed that the actions of a small minority do not reflect the club's values or the conduct of the overwhelming majority of supporters, and asked every fan to help protect the club's reputation and keep Rodney Parade a place where everyone can enjoy football.
Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency / BBC Sport
