Newport beat Walsall 3-1 in FA Cup tie paused over alleged homophobic chants

Newport County reached the FA Cup second round with a 3-1 home victory over Walsall on Saturday, in a match interrupted by reports of alleged homophobic chanting. Kion Etete scored twice at Rodney Parade as Newport recovered from an early deficit to advance.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b_aOWcZ08c

According to BirminghamWorld's match report, Andy Dallas put Walsall ahead after Aaron Pressley's header fell to him near goal. Etete equalised in the 19th minute, finding the top corner after receiving the ball from Ciaran Brennan. Michael Adu-Poku then gave Newport the lead, following up after his initial attempt was blocked following a Harrison Biggins free-kick.

Walsall had opportunities to respond. Dallas headed over before half-time, while Newport goalkeeper Jordan Wright tipped away a long-range effort from Declan Skura after the interval, BirminghamWorld reported. Etete made it 3-1 on the hour, reacting to finish after his first attempt struck the post. Substitute Tai Sodje later missed another opportunity for the visitors.

BBC Sport reported that referee Robert Massey-Ellis stopped the game for five minutes in the second half after alleged homophobic chants. He spoke to both teams' managers and captains and appeared to indicate a section of the home crowd near the dugouts. The BBC said the Football Association and South Wales Police could be asked to investigate; it did not confirm that either had opened an investigation.

Newport manager Hayden Mullins told the BBC he had not personally heard discriminatory language. He said the matter had been reported to stewards and then to either an assistant referee or the fourth official. Mullins condemned such behaviour and supported the referee's decision to pause play and address the report.

In separate comments reported by Press Association Sport and published by Nation.Cymru, Mullins praised his players for maintaining their approach after conceding first. He also highlighted Etete's work rate and how well the striker had settled into the team.

Walsall manager Lee Grant accepted that his side deserved to lose, according to the same Press Association report. He criticised the goals conceded and the number of free-kicks his players allowed Newport, saying Walsall had not dealt calmly enough with the home side's direct play.