Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has vowed to track down and expose the fan who allegedly hurled a piece of a seat at Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts during a heated 2-1 defeat at the Bescot Stadium.
The incident unfolded deep into stoppage time, capping off an already volatile match in which Holloway's side were dominant for long spells — especially after Walsall were reduced to 10 men in the 21st minute.
Brandon Comley saw red for dragging down Aaron Drinan, who was bearing down on goal.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Walsall had something to defend, courtesy of Evan Weir’s thunderous free-kick just seven minutes in. Swindon kept pressing but struggled to carve out clear-cut chances.
Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has vowed to track down and expose the fan who allegedly hurled a piece of a seat at Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts during a heated 2-1 defeat at the Bescot Stadium
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Their persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute, when Will Wright converted from the spot after Rico Browne was penalised for grappling Harry Smith in the box.
However, hopes of a comeback were dashed in stoppage time when Walsall’s Connor Barrett danced through a crowded area and slotted home past Connor Ripley, sealing an unlikely victory.
Tensions boiled over shortly after, when play was halted due to an object — reportedly a fragment of a seat — being thrown at Roberts. Holloway didn’t hold back in his post-match condemnation.
“I am absolutely disgusted,” he said.
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“I am a human being who loves this game but I also love other human beings.
"I am here to represent my wonderful football club in a way that is courteous in defeat — tenacious as well, I want to fight for things — but you don't rip out a seat and throw it at someone."
Holloway called on other supporters to help identify the culprit: “I wouldn't want Walsall thinking that about all of us, so anyone stood next to them, I want them dobbed in because that's not right.
"These people creep into football and no one does anything about it. I am standing up for Swindon Town, a magnificent club and we don't want anything to do with this.
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🗣️ "How dare you do that."
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 3, 2025
Swindon manager Ian Holloway says he is 'disgusted' after an object was thrown at Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts.pic.twitter.com/uRFcibDJHC
"Whoever you are, you should be ashamed of yourself. I am going to hunt you down and find you.”
Reflecting on the game, Holloway admitted the red card altered the dynamics but was frustrated it didn't work in his team’s favour.
“The game changed — them going down to 10 men made us favourites in a way,” he said.
“But I’d have preferred Aaron not to be fouled because of how Walsall set up. They’re very effective with five at the back and three in midfield.”
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Meanwhile, Walsall boss Mat Sadler was full of praise for his team’s resilience and especially for veteran centre-back Aden Flint, who led the defensive effort.
“He threw everything on the line and headed everything,” Sadler said.
The Saddlers boss also hailed the character shown by his youthful side.
“We had six EFL debuts today and they showed exactly what we want to be — together, united, organised, disciplined, athletic," he added.
Ian Holloway didn't mince his words after Swindon's clash with Walsall
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"It was a strange game after the sending off, but I’m delighted with the way it ended.”
Sadler wasn’t convinced by the penalty call but was relieved it didn’t prove costly.
“It was never a penalty, and the only saving grace is that it didn’t cost us — because it was a dreadful decision," he continued.
"With our backs to the wall, that could have been the moment everything fell apart, but this group refused to let that happen. They deserve massive credit.”