Kick It Out have issued a statement following allegations of racist abuse aimed at Swansea City winger Eom Jisung, taking aim at Millwall manager Alex Neil's post-match comments.
Tuesday night's match at The Den was stopped when Eom, among the Swansea substitutes, was allegedly abused while warming up at the side of the pitch. Referee Edward Duckworth brought the game to a halt before holding lengthy discussions with both sets of coaches, with the game paused for around seven minutes.
Statement condemns alleged abuse
An announcement was then made over the speakers confirming there had been an allegation of racism.
Afterwards, Neil sparked outrage by bemoaning the decision to halt the match, after the Swans had gone on to win thanks to a last-minute winner from Ronald - with Neil appearing to suggest the stoppage was a factor in the defeat.
In a statement condemning the alleged abuse, Kick It Out - English football's equality and inclusion organisation - called upon managers to recognise that player welfare should always "take precedence over the momentum or flow of a match".
"We're disappointed to hear reports of racist abuse towards Swansea's Jisung Eom during Tuesday's Championship game at Millwall," read the statement.
"Both clubs have condemned the incident, and it's positive that Millwall and match officials followed the right protocols so that action can be taken to identify any individual responsible."
Managers urged to set the tone
"In that moment, protocols are in place to help match and security officials respond appropriately.
"That ensures that players are protected and key details are captured so that accountability can follow, regardless of how long it takes.
"Player welfare should always take precedence over the momentum or flow of a match, and it's essential that managers and all leaders recognise this and set the tone with their language so that everyone can stand up to discrimination."
Neil's comments have not gone down well on social media, with several users criticising his choice of words.
"I understand there's been an incident," he told the BBC post-match. "It's not something I'm going to get involved in. That'll be for the authorities to deal with.
"But the fact that it stops the game for 15 minutes. I just don't see the point. It needs to get dealt with, absolutely, but stopping the game doesn't deal with anything.
"All it does is kill the momentum... Listen, if we score I probably don't feel this way, but that's how I feel just now."
Police investigating allegation
On Wednesday, police confirmed they are investigating an allegation of racist abuse during Swansea City's win over Millwall on Tuesday night.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they are now reviewing the incident.
"Officers swiftly engaged with witnesses to gather statements," a spokesperson said. "No arrests have been made and enquiries remain ongoing."
