Newport FA Cup tie halted as alleged homophobic chants investigated
Newport's FA Cup first-round match against Walsall was paused for five minutes after alleged homophobic chants from the home crowd, with the FA and South Wales Police potentially set to investigate.
Newport County's FA Cup first-round tie against Walsall at Rodney Parade was stopped for five minutes during the second half on Saturday after alleged homophobic chants were reported from the home crowd, according to the article. Referee Robert Massey-Ellis halted play and appeared to gesture towards home supporters near the dugouts.
The official spoke with the managers and captains of both teams. Newport manager Hayden Mullins said the matter was reported to stewards and then to a linesman or the fourth official, and that the referee handled it through the proper channels. Mullins added that he had not heard any discriminatory language himself but that such behaviour has no place in football.
Because homophobic and discriminatory chants breach FA rules and are classed as a hate crime, the article states the Football Association and South Wales Police could be asked to investigate, and the club could still face an FA charge. Those are potential outcomes rather than confirmed actions. The article does not report any arrests, charges or subsequent statements from Walsall, the FA or police.
Mullins praised the decision to pause the game, saying the referee wanted to deal with the issue thoroughly and ensure the right measures were in place. The stoppage meant play was briefly suspended while the reported abuse was addressed.
The episode highlights the responsibility match officials and clubs carry for crowd behaviour and the possibility of disciplinary consequences when discriminatory chanting is reported at a ground.
Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency / BBC Sport
