Match paused for seven minutes after alleged racist chanting towards Eom Ji-Sung

Millwall manager Alex Neil expressed his discontent with the decision to pause the Championship match against Swansea due to allegations of racist chanting. The game, which Swansea won 1-0, was halted for nearly seven minutes after reports of abuse directed at Swans substitute Eom Ji-Sung. Referee Edward Duckworth stopped play in the 65th minute to consult with both managers and the fourth official about the incident.

During the stoppage, a security guard joined the referee, who indicated a specific area in the stands behind the Swansea dugout. The announcement made in the stadium confirmed the report of racist chanting, stating that police were working to identify potential offenders using CCTV footage. Eom Ji-Sung, the player targeted, was warming up at the time of the incident, as confirmed by Swansea's manager, Vitor Matos.

After the match, Neil voiced his concerns to the BBC, stating that while he acknowledges the need to address such issues, he questioned the effectiveness of stopping the game. He suggested that the interruption disrupts the flow of the match and does not resolve the underlying problem. Neil's comments were focused on the process rather than the action taken in response to the allegation.

Millwall released a statement condemning the alleged discriminatory abuse, reiterating their zero-tolerance policy towards such behaviour. The club is cooperating with authorities to investigate the incident further. Swansea also acknowledged the prompt response from match officials and Millwall, expressing their support for Ji-Sung and commitment to assisting in the investigation.

via Sky Sports