Alex Neil criticised after saying Millwall-Swansea racism stoppage ‘killed momentum’

Millwall head coach Alex Neil has been criticised by Kick It Out after he complained about a stoppage for alleged racist abuse during Tuesday’s Championship home defeat to Swansea City, which finished 0-1.

The fixture was halted for around seven minutes after reports of abusive chants aimed at Swansea midfielder Eom Ji-sung. Referee Edward Duckworth stopped the game in the 65th minute to speak with both managers, the fourth official and a safety officer.

After the match, Neil told BBC Radio London that while there was an incident, he didn’t see the point of stopping play, saying it only “killed the momentum”.

Kick It Out replied through a statement posted on social media, insisting player welfare must come before the match’s flow and calling on managers and leaders to “set the tone”. The campaign group said it was disappointed by reports of racist abuse towards Eom, while adding that protocols were followed so details could be recorded and accountability could follow, regardless of how long it takes.