Newell remains with Luton Town

Luton Town said on Wednesday they had severely reprimanded manager Mike Newell over sexist comments he made about a lineswoman, but stopped short of sacking him.

Newell's widely reported remarks complaining about lineswoman Amy Rayner and female match officials in general sparked widespread condemnation in the footballing community.

"It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have but if you start bringing in women, you have a big problem," he was quoted as saying after his side were denied a penalty in a 3-2 home defeat by Queens Park Rangers in the English second division on Saturday.

He later apologised but the public debate over sexism in British sport has continued.

The club's board, who had already issued a strongly worded statement distancing themselves from his comments, said after meeting Newell on Wednesday that they accepted the manager's public apology but warned him against a repeat performance.

"The board have severely reprimanded Mike Newell for the comments made and have warned him that any repetition of such conduct will not be tolerated," they said in a statement on the club's internet site.

"The manager gave the necessary assurances and apologised for the comments he made and would like to thank the board for its support and understanding on this matter."