Newport midfielder Kevin Ellison has defended his decision to celebrate pointedly in front of former manager Derek Adams after scoring against his Morecambe side.

The 42-year-old came off the bench to cement the Welsh side’s 3-1 League Two win at the Mazuma Stadium on Saturday before heading straight for Adams, who released him in June last year after a nine-year spell with the Shrimps, on the sidelines.

Ellison told the BBC: “He disrespected me, I don’t like him, that’s how it goes. I won’t paper over cracks.

“I knew something was going to happen today, I had a feeling, and I’m more than happy to do that celebration I don’t care what anyone says.”

Ellison signed for Newport following a successful trial and has made 21 appearances to date this season.

Meanwhile, Newport have condemned online abuse aimed at manager Michael Flynn before Saturday’s game.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “Newport County AFC strongly condemns the comments made by a supporter towards manager Michael Flynn prior to our Sky Bet League Two match against Morecambe on Saturday.

“As a family and community club, we will not tolerate social media comments that are threatening, abusive, discriminatory, insulting or that contain obscene language, irrespective of whether such comments are aimed at other supporters, the club, its staff or volunteers.

“Newport County AFC would like to remind its supporters that we take matters like this very seriously. Those found guilty of online abuse will be subject to temporary or permanent bans from the club’s social media pages, user accounts being reported to the relevant authorities, and potential temporary and permanent Rodney Parade stadium bans.

“The club is currently investigating this matter and will take swift and appropriate action.”