FA Cup ref injured by coin

A referee from Walsall narrowly escaped losing an eye after being struck by a coin during an FA Cup first round match at the weekend.

Alan Sheffield underwent an operation and had seven stitches in a head wound after being knocked unconscious at the game between Newport County and Swansea.

The fourth official suffered a burst blood vessel and was taken to Royal Gwent hospital for a minor operation to repair the split artery. He was discharged on Saturday night.

Mr Sheffield was hit by a £1 coin after 32 minutes after telling referee Tony Bates he had been involved in a touchline row with Newport boss Peter Beadle.

The manager was angered by a free kick decision that led to Swansea¹s second goal in their 3-1 win and was sent to the stands.

Mr Sheffield was then hit by the missile which forced the game between the two Welsh sides to be delayed by eight minutes.

The match falls under the jurisdiction of the Welsh authority, not the English FA, because it took place in Wales and was between two Welsh clubs.

The FA in Wales will now consider the referee's report, which was arriving today, before deciding if disciplinary action will be taken.

The non-league side faces a heavy fine and chairman Chris Blight said: "We want the culprit found and dealt with appropriately. It is terrible when the action of one person can spoil the day for 4,660 people."