Newport round on 'unacceptable' fan behaviour

What the report says

Newport County has condemned what it described as unacceptable supporter behaviour and said a series of alleged incidents this season is harming both the club’s finances and its public image. In a statement reported by BBC Sport Football, the League Two side said complaints have included racist abuse, pitch invasions, fighting and fireworks, with the latest concern involving alleged homophobic chanting at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

During Newport’s FA Cup first-round win over Walsall, referee Robert Massey-Ellis paused play for about five minutes in the second half after the chants were reported. BBC Sport said the club could now face action from the Football Association and possibly police, since discriminatory chanting can breach FA rules and may also be treated as a hate crime.

The club said the conduct of a small minority was not representative of most supporters, but it argued the incidents have already caused reputational damage and required extra spending on stewarding, security, crowd control and investigations. Newport added that money used to respond to misconduct cannot be directed elsewhere in football operations or supporter facilities.

The club said it will work with the FA, the English Football League, Gwent Police and other authorities, and warned that continued problems could lead to further disciplinary or financial sanctions. BBC Sport noted Newport are 14th in League Two, only two points outside the play-off places.