Newport County vs Walsall FA Cup tie halted by alleged homophobic chants
Newport manager Hayden Mullins has condemned alleged abusive chants during Saturday's FA Cup tie against Walsall.
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The FA Cup first-round tie between Newport County and Walsall was interrupted on Saturday after reports of homophobic chanting from the stands. Referee Robert Massey-Ellis halted the game for five minutes during the second half to consult with the managers and captains of both clubs.
Newport manager Hayden Mullins addressed the incident after the match, confirming that the pause was a response to discriminatory language reported by spectators. Mullins stated that while he did not personally hear the abuse, such behavior has no place in the sport.
I think it was homophobic stuff that was heard in the crowd, which is not on. We don't condone it. The referee chose to stop play and wanted to deal with it pretty thoroughly. Hayden Mullins
The club faces potential action from the Football Association, as discriminatory chants violate FA regulations and are classified as hate crimes. South Wales Police may also be involved in reviewing the events at Rodney Parade.