Jackett: We Were Hit Too

Swans manager Kenny Jackett has revealed that they too were hit by coins and batteries as Newport’s adventure into the first round of the FA Cup saw the scenes that neither club wanted with Fourth Official Alan Sheffield stretchered to a local hospital.

Trouble flared after County manager Peter Beadle disputed a decision in the lead up to Swansea’s second goal and was sent to the stands for his trouble. Sheffield was then hit by a coin thrown from behind the dug outs and immediately fell to the ground unconscious.

Play was held up for eight minutes whilst he was treated and Jackett said afterwards “I just saw the fourth official collapse. It looked serious so I quickly called on our club doctor and physio to help. He was completely out of it, hopefully he’s going to be OK. We were hit by coins, batteries, a bit of everything – and I sussed it was serious when ball boys started taking shelter in our dugout”

Newport chairman Chris Blight was in no mood to forgive what had marred their big day “I am absolutely ashamed by what’s happened – it’s awful that one or two Newport fans can mar our big day after all the hard work we’ve put in to stage this match. I’m sure the FA will take the appropriate action.

“I’m not worried about the repercussions because we will stand up and own up to what has happened. It’s dreadful that a fourth official has been hurt in this way and I would like to appeal to any Newport fan who saw who was to blame to get in touch with the club.

“If we find out who they are they will be banned from the ground and, hopefully, the police can prosecute.”

Manager Peter Beadle was awarded the News of The World “Chump Of The Day” award for his behaviour in the build up to the incident although he is adamant that he was not to blame. Beadle was reported to the referee for his long protests about the free kick that led to Izzy’s goal and that led to his sending off.

“I don’t think I contributed to what happened,” he said “I didn’t see the incident because I was walking off the pitch. I was unhappy about the free kick they got for their second goal and I was sent off for asking a question of the fourth official. I am very passionate about my team and sometimes it overspills but it was not nice what happened.”

The Swans will find out their second round opponents in the televised draw on Sunday just after 4pm.