Millwall boss Alex Neil has been criticised after referee Edward Duckworth paused a match following alleged racist chants aimed at Ji-sung Eom. Duckworth held lengthy discussions with both sets of coaches and halted play while he passed a message to Millwall's safety officer. An announcement was then made over the speakers at The Den confirming the allegations, and police began working to identify any offenders using CCTV.
Neil said he understood an incident had occurred but made clear it was a matter for the authorities. "But the fact that it stops the game, I just don't see the point," he said. "The referee was wanting to speak to whoever the safety officer is, and then when he spoke to him, it [the game] restarted." He added: "I want to get the game restarted, I want to get the game played."
Millwall went on to concede a 90th-minute goal and lose 1-0. Neil acknowledged that his view might differ had his side scored, saying: "If we score, I probably don't feel this way, let's be honest."
Kick It Out, which has campaigned for more than 30 years against racism in football, said it was disappointed to hear of the abuse directed at Eom. The organisation said both clubs had condemned the incident and that it was positive Millwall and match officials had followed the correct protocols so action could be taken. It stressed that such procedures protect players and capture key details so accountability can follow, regardless of how long it takes.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing