Managers must set the tone on discrimination issues, anti-racism group Kick It Out said, after Millwall head coach Alex Neil was criticised for complaining that a stoppage over alleged racist abuse hurt his team’s momentum.
The Championship fixture between Millwall and Swansea City was suspended for around seven minutes in the 65th minute after reports of abusive chants being aimed at Swansea midfielder Eom Ji-sung. The referee halted play to speak with both managers, the fourth official and a safety officer.
KEY FACTS
- Kick It Out criticised Alex Neil over comments about a racism-related stoppage.
- The match was paused for about seven minutes during the 65th minute.
- Abusive chants were reportedly aimed at Eom Ji-sung.
- Referee Edward Duckworth spoke with both managers and officials before resuming play.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE MATCH?
The referee, Edward Duckworth, stopped the game in the 65th minute after reports of abusive chants aimed at Swansea midfielder Eom Ji-sung. The match remained suspended for approximately seven minutes while match officials, including the fourth official and a safety officer, consulted with both managers. According to the source, the delay occurred during Millwall’s home fixture against Swansea City.
The suspension allowed officials to address the alleged discriminatory behaviour on the pitch. After the stoppage, the referee resumed play and the match continued, ultimately ending in a home defeat for Millwall.
WHAT IS KICK IT OUT’S POSITION?
Kick It Out, the anti-racism campaign group, issued a statement saying that managers should set the tone when it comes to addressing discrimination in football. Their criticism of Alex Neil focused on the idea that public complaints about match delays related to racism could undermine broader efforts to tackle abusive behaviour in the sport.
The organisation has previously called on football figures to support initiatives aimed at eliminating discriminatory conduct from the game. This latest response appears to reinforce that messaging by directly addressing Neil’s public comments.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- The match between Millwall and Swansea City was suspended in the 65th minute over reports of racist chanting.
- The stoppage lasted approximately seven minutes.
- Racist abuse was reportedly directed at Swansea player Eom Ji-sung.
- Kick It Out publicly criticised Alex Neil for his comments regarding the delay.
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact content or wording of Alex Neil’s post-match comments.
- The identity of the individuals responsible for the alleged chanting.
- Whether any formal investigation or sanctions have been announced.
WHY IT MATTERS
How football leaders respond to reports of discrimination sends a signal about the sport’s commitment to inclusion. Criticism of delay-related complaints highlights ongoing tension between maintaining game flow and upholding anti-discrimination standards.
WHAT TO WATCH
Follow-up statements from Millwall FC or Kick It Out could clarify the situation further.