Horns and booing noises heard outside the ground as players from both sides took a knee; Similar protest held outside the Liberty Stadium ahead of Swansea vs Barnsley on December 19; South Wales Police speaking to people involved to remind them of current coronavirus rules on gatherings
Thursday 31 December 2020 14:50, UK
Swansea City are investigating after their goalless draw with Reading was marred by booing and jeering outside the Liberty Stadium as both teams took a knee before kick-off.
It is the second successive home game where booing could be heard outside the stadium, with similar protests having taken place ahead of their match against Barnsley on December 19.
As both sides took a knee before kick-off in opposition to racial injustice, a loud series of horns and booing noises was heard from a group gathered outside the ground.
It is unclear who the group were or what their motives were.
Swansea manager Steve Cooper said: "I heard some noises but I couldn't tell what it was. Let's find out and the reasons behind it. In terms of taking the knee we are a club which has continued to commit to it."
Swansea will now look into ensuring the incident does not happen for a third time when they host Watford on Saturday.
South Wales Police are also reviewing footage outside the Liberty Stadium and have spoken to people involved to remind them of current coronavirus rules such as a prohibition on gatherings.
A South Wales Police statement read: "South Wales Police was made aware of a planned protest at the Liberty Stadium yesterday, a small group of people attended.
"We have designated football liaison officers who work with clubs throughout the force area, including Swansea City, to help prevent and deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
"Officers engaged with protest organisers and attendees in order to remind them of their obligations under the current Covid-19 legislation, including the prohibition on gatherings and the overarching goal for everyone to take personal responsibility to Keep Wales Safe.
"We will continue to work with the club and review any footage from the protest."
On the field, Cooper's Championship promotion hopefuls were left frustrated by a goalless draw as Reading goalkeeper Rafael Cabral produced a series of stunning saves.
