Walsall manager Michael Flynn has slammed a section of Newport County fans who he claims threw stones and sung vile chants during an ill-tempered match on Saturday.
The League Two clash at Rodney Parade was the first time Flynn has visited his old club, who he left last October. He was appointed Walsall head coach in February and on Saturday his current side ran out slender 1-0 winners over his old employers.
But the 41-year-old was left fuming after abusive chants from a portion of home fans. Speaking post-match, he said: "I had some very unsavoury comments talking about my wife which I thought was a disgrace after everything I have done for this football club, to call my wife those, and I am not even going to repeat it, it was an absolute disgrace.
"I don’t mind the usual banter as they say, but to be abusing my wife in the crowd was absolutely disgusting, it probably makes the win a bit sweeter after those comments. They overstepped the mark, it just shows what lowlife they are really.
"If they think that’s acceptable, I don’t care what they say about me because you are going to get abuse everywhere, but don’t bring people’s partners into it. I wish those comments hadn’t come and I wish Newport well."
Flynn spent four-and-a-half years as Exiles boss and led them to two unsuccessful play-off finals and also guided them to FA Cup giant-killing wins over the likes of Leicester City and Leeds United.
In addition to the abusive chants, he also says the Saddlers' bench was peppered with objects during the match. He added: "It wasn’t just insults, stones were getting thrown by the supporters behind [the dugout]. I can take abuse towards me but when they start bringing my wife into it and throwing stones, it’s not good. I’m not going to make a complaint, I don’t want Newport to get in trouble.
"I’d probably just say have a look at the CCTV and ban the clown who did it – simple."
In a statement, Newport County said: "Newport County AFC are aware of post-match comments from former manager Michael Flynn in relation to alleged treatment he received from a small minority of County fans during today’s fixture. The club will be conducting an internal investigation alongside Rodney Parade and will act accordingly based upon the conclusion of the investigation."
An own goal just after the hour mark by County's Mickey Demetriou settled the contest and ensured Walsall maintain their 100 per cent record.
Flynn concluded: "I think the best team lost if I'm totally honest, it was a bit of a surreal feeling afterwards because I've never wanted Newport to lose. They were better than us, but we were solid and stuck to our guns, they threw everything at us. We were absolutely tremendous defensively and we had that togetherness."
