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Alex Neil faces backlash for comments on racism stoppage in Championship match

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 14, 2026, 9:12 PM

Last updated Oct 14, 2026

Alex Neil faces backlash for comments on racism stoppage in Championship match

Summary

Millwall head coach Alex Neil has received criticism from anti-racism group Kick It Out after expressing concerns that a stoppage in the Championship match against Swansea City, due to alleged racist abuse, disrupted the flow of the game. The match was halted for about seven minutes following reports of racist chants aimed at Swansea midfielder Eom Ji-sung. The referee, Edward Duckworth, paused play in the 65th minute to address the situation with team managers and officials. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in addressing racism in sports.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•The match between Millwall and Swansea City was halted due to racist abuse.
•The stoppage lasted approximately seven minutes.
•Referee Edward Duckworth paused the game in the 65th minute.
•Kick It Out criticized Neil's comments on the delay affecting game momentum.
•The incident raises ongoing concerns about racism in football.

Latest Updates

9:12 PMThe Guardian Sport — Millwall’s Alex Neil criticised for his comments on stoppage for alleged racism

What they're saying

"
Kick It Out statement: managers should ‘set the tone’ Head coach said delay in Swansea game ‘killed momentum’ The Millwall head coach, Alex Neil, has been criticised by the anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out after complaining that a stoppage in play over alleged racist abuse “killed the momentum” in Tuesday’s home defeat to Swansea City. The Championship fixture was suspended for around seven minutes after reports of abusive chants being aimed at the Swansea midfielder Eom Ji-sung. The referee, Edward Duckworth, halted the match in the 65th minute before speaking with both teams’ managers, the fourth official and a safety officer. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Guardian sport

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