Newport County AFC has condemned alleged supporter misconduct after alleged homophobic chants at Rodney Parade on Saturday. The club might face charges from both the Football Association (FA) or police, while homophobic and discriminatory chants breach FA rules and are classed as a hate crime.
Alleged incidents and match stoppage
Newport County rounded on a small minority of fans over a series of alleged incidents this season, including racist abuse, pitch invasions, fighting and setting off fireworks.
Newport's FA Cup first-round win against Walsall was halted for five minutes during the second half by referee Robert Massey-Ellis. Robert Massey-Ellis spoke to the managers and captains of both teams and appeared to gesture towards the home crowd close to the dugouts.
Club condemnation
Newport County AFC said: “Such behaviour has no place in football and is entirely contrary to the values of Newport County AFC, the wider game and our local community.”
The club said: “A number of these matters have been referred to the appropriate football and regulatory authorities for investigation and review.”
Newport County AFC said: “Regardless of the outcome of those processes, the reported incidents have already caused reputational damage to the football club and detracted from the positive support provided by the vast majority of Newport County supporters.”
Resources and financial impact
The club said: “The impact extends beyond reputational concerns. The club has now been required to commit additional resources to stewarding, security, crowd management measures, investigations and preventative initiatives designed to maintain a safe environment for players, officials, staff and supporters.”
Newport County AFC said: “Every pound spent responding to supporter misconduct is a pound that cannot be invested elsewhere in football operations, supporter facilities and the club's future development.”
Newport County AFC (the Exiles) said: “Continued incidents of this nature may also affect relationships with governing bodies, sponsors, community partners and other stakeholders.”
Work with governing bodies
Newport County AFC pledged to work with the FA, the EFL, Gwent Police and other relevant bodies to deal with the issues.
Newport County AFC said: “Newport County AFC remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all.”
The club said: “We ask every supporter to play their part in protecting the reputation of the football club and ensuring that Rodney Parade remains a venue where everyone can enjoy football.”
Newport County AFC said: “The actions of a small minority do not reflect the values of Newport County AFC or the conduct of the overwhelming majority of our supporters. Nevertheless, the club will continue to take a robust and uncompromising approach towards any behaviour that brings the club into disrepute or places others at risk.”
