Newport officials agree the match was bad tempered

A Lewes FC statement claimed its players were subjected to "verbal and non-verbal insults" during and after Saturday's Conference South match.

Lewes have complained to the FA who said they will hand any evidence to the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

County director Colin Everett said the allegations were "unfounded".

Newport were fined by the FAW last month after a coin-throwing incident at an FA cup tie in November against Swansea City.

The East Sussex club made the complaint following the bad-tempered 1-1 draw at Spytty Park between the sides, which included a mass brawl.

Steve White, Lewes' commercial director, said in a statement the club had a "strong objection to the actions" of some of Newport's players, supporters and officials.

He added: "The Lewes FC players were subjected to a torrent of both verbal and non-verbal insults during the entire game.

"At the end of the game the Lewes FC team had to run the gauntlet of a very aggressive group of Newport supporters who were allowed to get within touching distance of them.

"Again they were verbally abused and two Lewes FC players spat at.

"The board of Lewes FC wish to emphasise their strong objection to the actions of some of Newport's players, 'supporters' and officials, and have asked that Newport County be censured for what must be regarded as totally unacceptable behaviour."

'Complaints unfounded'

Newport County director Colin Everett said the club was investigating the claims "very seriously" but said he believed the complaints were "unfounded".

He said: "We're very disappointed with the stance Lewes have taken. Lewes have complained to the football authorities without our knowledge nearly a week after the event.

"No formal complaint was made to us on the day so it's a little difficult to know what we are answering.

"At this stages we think Lewes' complaints are unfounded."

Mr Everett agreed it was a bad-tempered match, but added he had looked at the "whole picture" and believed there was blame for events on both sides.

Coin incident

The allegations come weeks after Newport were fined �2,000 with �1,000 suspended by the FAW for failing to control their supporters after a coin-throwing incident in an FA Cup match against Swansea City.

Newport were also found guilty of failing to control boss Peter Beadle, who was sent from the manager's dug-out in the same match in November.

Moments after Beadle was sent from the bench, fourth official Alan Sheffield collapsed to the floor after being hit in the head by a coin thrown from the crowd.

He needed seven stitches in a head wound and also underwent a minor operation to repair a split artery after being struck.

The latest complaint will be handled by the Football Association of Wales (FAW), who said they are awaiting details from the FA.

An FA spokesperson said: "We collect the observations from Lewes and refer that to the Football Association of Wales. We're in the process of doing that now."