Millwall head coach Alex Neil has faced criticism from anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out after saying that a pause prompted by alleged racist abuse disrupted his team’s momentum during Tuesday’s home loss to Swansea City.
The Championship match was stopped for approximately seven minutes following reports that Swansea midfielder Eom Ji-sung had been targeted by offensive chants. Referee Edward Duckworth paused play in the 65th minute and consulted both managers, the fourth official and a safety officer.
Speaking after the match, Neil told a local radio station: “I understand that an incident has reportedly taken place. It is not for me to address because the relevant authorities will investigate it. However, I do not understand what is achieved by interrupting the match.
“The referee wanted to consult the safety officer, and play resumed once that conversation had taken place. My frustration came from wanting the match to continue. The allegation must be properly investigated, but pausing the game does not resolve it at that moment. It only disrupts the team’s rhythm.”
In a statement shared on social media, Kick It Out said: “The welfare of players must always be more important than the rhythm or flow of a match. Managers and others in leadership positions need to acknowledge this and use language that encourages everyone to challenge discrimination.
“We are troubled by reports that Swansea player Eom Ji-sung was subjected to racist abuse during Tuesday’s Championship fixture at Millwall. Both clubs have denounced the alleged behaviour, while Millwall and the match officials followed the appropriate procedures to help identify anyone responsible.”
The organisation added: “These procedures are designed to help match and security personnel respond correctly. They protect players and ensure important information is recorded so that those responsible can be held accountable, regardless of how much time the process requires.”
Millwall did not issue a direct response to Kick It Out’s comments, but the club stated on Tuesday: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to discriminatory abuse in any form. Anyone proven to have taken part in such conduct will face the strongest available measures.
“We are cooperating with the appropriate authorities to determine what happened. As the alleged incident remains part of an active police investigation, which the club fully supports, we cannot provide further comment at this stage.”
Swansea secured a 1-0 victory after Ronald scored a late winner following the interruption. Neil later acknowledged that his reaction might have been different had Millwall scored, while also stressing that the reported abuse was unacceptable.
Swansea head coach Vítor Matos commended the referee and Millwall staff for how they dealt with the situation. He said the official followed the established procedure and responded appropriately.
Matos also welcomed Millwall’s announcement that such behaviour has no place at the club. Although satisfied with the response, he expressed sadness that the incident had occurred.
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