"It is so disheartening because it is like we have come so far but we have so far to go. Wayne Rooney criticised a number of Millwall fans for their "disgraceful and mindless behaviour" before kick-off on Saturday against Derby County, when members of the crowd booed their own players while taking the knee.. The booing by some Millwall fans was heavily criticised by several former players. There had been calls on the club to abandon the practice, as a handful of other Championship sides have done in recent months. Proud to be black.'. Millwall Football Club have finally released a statement following an incident which saw their supporters boo their own players for taking a knee in solidarity of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. "The club will not allow their fine work to be in vain. Millwall fans group says booing players taking a knee was not racist A statement from the Millwall Supporters' Club on Sunday, however, said the boos were aimed at the 'Black Lives Matter'. 2,000 supporters were. We should resist enforced orthodoxy. The comments below have not been moderated. It is the 1938 England football association position you are mocking Piers. Speaking to theBBC, he added: 'There are 2,000 so you can pinpoint the people going. Which duo has the most goal contributions in Europe this season? Dont think you come to this ground and spread hatred. The Den was able to host 2,000 home fans. View our online Press Pack. The day marked the first time that fans were able to attend a game in person since lockdown began in March. Some players, pundits and fans have condemned the fans' actions while others say the gesture is no longer appropriate. It is time and time and time again. Fans of the club were returning to The Den for the first time since . Players have been taking a knee since July and Gary Rowett and his squad confirmed they would continue the gesture in a statement earlier this week. Millwall lost the match 1-0 as former England star Rooney claimed his first win as Derby's interim boss. 'I know this is not them and Steve was hurting. How to get into football - the most popular sport in the world, with clubs and facilities throughout the UK. Townsend told Sky Sports: 'Well, I've got to be honest I was in conversation with the club last night and I feel for the good people at the club who I've worked with for the last year and a bit like Steve Kavanagh (chief executive), the chairman (John Berylson) and people on the board. Fans at Saturday's EFL Championship match between Millwall and Derby County booed as the players took a knee to protest against racism after the opening whistle. ': Laura Muir makes history with fifth gold in the European Indoor Championships by claiming 1500m prize in Istanbul, Stuttgart 1-2 Bayern Munich:Matthijs de Ligt andEric Maxim Choupo-Moting net asJulian Nagelsmann's side return to the top of Bundesliga ahead of Champions League showdown with PSG, Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle:Phil Foden and super-sub Bernardo Silva fire Pep Guardiola's side to victory as they cut the gap to leaders Arsenal to two points with win over the Magpies at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola hails Phil Foden's 'special ability' after spectacular solo goal helped secure victory over Newcastle as Man City boss reveals he told the starlet to 'accept the highs and lows' before return to form, Eddie Howe revealsFabian Schar was left out of Newcastle's defeat to Man City due to his concussion history, after the defender suffered a head knock in the Carabao Cup final, Brighton 4-0 West Ham: Alexis Mac Allister, Joel Veltman, Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck on target as Roberto De Zerbi's high-flying Seagulls dominate hapless Hammers at the Amex, Jose Mourinho WILL be in the dugout for Roma's clash vs Juventus as the Sports Court of Appeal overturns his two-game suspension after he was shown his THIRD red card of the season for clashing with fourth official in 2-1 loss to Cremonese, FIFA and FA chiefs reveal they are confident of avoiding another armband controversy at the Women's World Cup this summer after 'sporting sanctions' were threatened against nations planning to wear the One Love armband in Qatar, Rio Ferdinand calls for Jude Bellingham to choose Manchester United over Liverpool this summer as he insists the Red Devils are on course to be 'more successful' than their bitter rivals under Erik ten Hag, Rio Ferdinand heaps praise on 'phenomenal talent' Phil Foden and claims the Man City star has 'answered any negativity that has been thrown at him' after firing his side to victory with a goal against Newcastle, Football's rulemakers will NOT give the green light to temporary concussion substitutions after FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with FA executives despite pressure from the Premier League. Their black players like Mahlon Romeo were heartbroken yesterday. SERIOUSLY??? MILLWALL'S returning fans booed their own players as they took a knee before kick-off. Sky Sports News. Milwall's players and manager Gary Rowett confirmed they would continue the gesture in a statement earlier this week. Those who booed were condemned by Millwalls club chiefs who said they were saddened and dismayed by the events. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. He wrote: 'Reality is Millwall fans booing players taking a knee doesn't surprise many!!! I have spoken on the matter throughout my footballing life. "The players are continuing to use the biggest platform they have to support the drive for change, not just in football but in society generally. Will people be happy for players to take the knee for the next 10 years but see no actual progress made? There was widespread condemnation on Saturday of the behaviour of Millwall supporters who marked their return to the Den by booing as players took a knee before their Championship match against. #61. The return of spectators was overshadowed by the pre-match incident. Proud of the club. Millwall fans booed after players took the knee ahead of their Championship clash with Derby. Derby forward Colin Kazim-Richards, who is black, described the booing as an 'absolute disgrace' in a tweet after the match where he expressed pride in taking a stand against racism. Pic: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images. Pictured: Patrick Hutchinson is pictured carrying Millwall fan to safety in the midst of clashes with anti-racism protesters in London on June 13 in one of the iconic images of the Black Lives Matter protests. Football players originally started taking the knee when the 2019-2020 season resumed in June. Taking the knee in sport to protest racial injustice began when NFL star @Kaepernick7 was advised to do it by Green Beret @NateBoyer37 who told him is was something soldiers did to mark their respect for fallen comrades that died in battle. If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page wed love to hear from you. ', Millwall boss Gary Rowett (left) said he was 'disappointed' by the fans' behaviour, while opposition manager Wayne Rooney (right) said it was 'surprising', In response, the FA said in a statement: 'The FA supports all players and staff that wish to take a stand against discrimination in a respectful manner, which includes taking of the knee, and strongly condemns the behaviours of any spectators that actively voice their opposition to such activities.'. Millwall 'dismayed' after fans boo taking a knee, Foden's return to form helps mask De Bruyne's troubles, Nelson sends Arsenal into euphoria with last-gasp winner over Bournemouth, Mbappe breaks PSG's all-time scoring record, Arsenal rally, net late winner in 5-goal thriller, Garber: MLS would be flexible for Messi move, Guardiola: Next three games define City's season, Potter delighted as Chelsea end long winless run, Simeone makes LaLiga history in 6-1 Atletico win, Arteta: Arsenal win my 'most emotional moment', Ancelotti defends Benzema after Clasico loss, Klopp, Ten Hag tell fans to 'lose the poison', Ratings: Fofana 8/10 as Chelsea pick up first league win in six, LIVE Transfer Talk: Bayern still keen on Kane despite new Choupo-Moting contract. Due to your consent preferences, youre not able to view this. Farm Heroes Saga, the #4 Game on iTunes. "The fight for racial equality continues and we will continue to work closely with clubs across the country to tackle discrimination in all its forms. Further comments from yesterday's game. pic.twitter.com/7T25MmMDwI. Read about our approach to external linking. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Rosenior is a member of the FA's inclusion advisory board and is also on a panel of six who will appoint the next FA chairman in the spring. Up to 2,000 fans were allowed into stadiums across England on Saturday, marking the first time since the pandemic began in March that any spectators were permitted to attend games in person. "Wayne was outstanding on the day in supporting players who were clearly affected by something they couldn't believe was happening in front of their eyes. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Troy Townsend, of Kick It Out, an organisation that campaigns for equality in football, shared his opinion on the events that took place on Saturday, saying he knows there are 'good people at the club' but questioned why they didn't respond earlier. As much as I find it distasteful, booing the gesture isn't in itself a racist act; you can't ban fans simply for booing. Sanjay Bhandari said: "We are saddened by the behaviour of fans booing the players taking the knee today at Millwall. In return, Sunak loyalists are muttering, Theresa May is the true villain in this latest Tory Brexit war, Isolating with the ex: Lucy by the Sea, by Elizabeth Strout, reviewed, Hancock and Goves cringeworthy Covid love-in, Is Putin winning? However, the Premier League and EFL made the decision toreplace the BLM slogan on shirts after growing concerns the movement has beenhijacked by extremists. "What this demonstrates is that players are right to continue standing up to discrimination, whether that is through taking the knee or speaking out. Millwall fans boo as players take the knee in support of Black Lives Matter movement, Boos ring out as footballers take the knee, Derby's Colin Kazim-Richards raises his right fist as players take the knee ahead of the match, Football fans returned to The Den for the first time since games were halted by coronavirus. Glittering drama based on the audacious Brinks-Mat security depot heist, A corrupt copper and a Leeds gangster are bound together by decades of dishonesty. We've had a tough period so I'm delighted for the players and the supporters because they've had to suffer. It offended me, the players and everyone who works for this club. The comments below have not been moderated. The Football Association and anti-discrimination body Kick It Out have condemned the booing. ', Anti-racism campaign Kick It Out released a statement on Saturday following the incident. Players, officials and staff at Premier League and English Football League games have been taking a knee pre-match since football restarted in June in order to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement for racial equality. ', Millwall boss Gary Rowett (left) said he was 'disappointed' by the fans' behaviour, while opposition manager Wayne Rooney (right) said it was 'surprising', The Premier League and EFL made the decision to replace the BLM slogan on shirts after growing concerns the movement has been hijacked by extremists. The Black Lives Matter slogan also appeared on Premier League shirts. Millwall fans booed after players took the knee ahead of their Championship clash with Derby, Supporters were allowed back into The Den for the first time since the Covid outbreak in March, Millwall booing BLM https://t.co/NJ0v2UU7At, In response, the FA said in a statement: 'The FA supports all players and staff that wish to take a stand against discrimination in a respectful manner, which includes taking of the knee, and strongly condemns the behaviours of any spectators that actively voice their opposition to such activities.'. The death in Minneapolis of a black man, George Floyd, after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes sparked protests around the world, with many demonstrators kneeling in streets and squares to protest against racism. But that apparently didnt sit well with fans of London club Millwall, who used their first trip back the clubs stadium, the Den, to let both Derbys players and their own that they didnt appreciate the demonstration: Millwall fans boo as players take the knee.Loud booing could be heard when players from both teams took the knee in support of #BlackLivesMatter movement before kick off, with at least one supporter heard shouting "get up! It feels like it falls on deaf ears. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Millwall footballer Mahlon Romeo said his team's fans 'have personally disrespected not just me but the football club'. I don't even like talking about the matter. He added: I will say it every single damn time, this is why I stand and stand proud.. The outspoken personalities got into a Twitter clash on Sunday while discussing the horrific incident that took place during the Millwall and Derby football game this weekend. Kick It Out chair Sanjay Bhandari said he was "saddened" by the booing and praised the teams for "defying the hate" shown by some members of the crowd. It was against Enfield in the fa cup, December 1984. Millwall's own black players were called every racist name under the sun despite wearing our shirt with pride. ", A Football Association spokesperson said: "The FA supports all players and staff that wish to take a stand against discrimination in a respectful manner, which includes taking of the knee, and strongly condemns the behaviours of any spectators that actively voice their opposition to such activities.". Their racist demonstration against the Black Lives Matter movement was a frustrating event that overshadowed the return of fans to English football grounds. "Millwall Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday's game against Derby County at the Den," said the club in a statement. 'It is so disheartening because it is like we have come so far but we have so far to go. Join the conversation with other Spectator readers. Millwall have released a statement saying they are "dismayed and saddened" after some fans booed players for taking the knee ahead of Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Derby County. ", Ex-England and West Ham United player Trevor Sinclair said: "Reality is Millwall fans booing players taking a knee doesn't surprise many!". ", Glittering drama based on the audacious Brinks-Mat security depot heist, A corrupt copper and a Leeds gangster are bound together by decades of dishonesty. Some Millwall supporters booed when players from both sides took a knee before the Sky Bet Championship match, which Derby won 1-0. . IN THE MONEY: Tottenham finally top a table as they rack up the highest interest payments in the Premier Kylian Mbappe becomes PSG's ALL-TIME leading goal scorer at just 24 YEARS OLD after netting his 201st goal PSG 4 - 2 Nantes: Kylian Mbappe becomes Parisians' ALL-TIME leading goal scorer with injury time strike, Benson will shoot for a 100,000 Cheltenham Festival bonus after winning bet365 Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso, 'It's time out of football when they are there for you, they understand it': Sean Dyche reveals how former David Moyes calls West Ham's 4-0 thrashing by Brighton 'one of worst performances' from his second stint at England's emerging star Rehan Ahmed could make a claim for a place in the World Cup if he impresses against 'I know he trusts me! FEUDING fans marred Norwich's 2-0 Championship win over Millwall as police and stewards swarmed in to intervene.A handful of missiles - including SEAT . Moyes added that he 'understands' fans chanting that he should be sacked . Home affairs reporter Football players originally started taking the knee when the 2019-2020 season resumed in June. Millwall FC players take a knee. The visiting players took the knee prior to kick-off as they did in the Premier League last season but were booed by home fans at The Den.. After the match, which Fulham won 2-1, Lions boss Rowett called on authorities to "find a . "We are saddened by the behaviour of fans booing the players . The . "I'm pleased with how my team dealt with that," he added. Queens Park Rangers players celebrated scoring versus Millwall on Tuesday night by taking the knee, days after a group of Millwall's fans booed the anti-racism gesture. English soccer fans were allowed back into stadiums for the first time in almost a year on Saturday, but Millwall supporters didnt even make it to kickoff of the second-tier clubs match against Derby County before lustily booing both teams for taking a knee to call attention to systemic racism. I am sick to death of talking about this situation. He told South London Press: 'What they've done is booed and condemned a peaceful gesture which was put in place to highlight, combat and stop any discriminatory behavior and racism. 'We applaud the players for taking a stand and defying the hate shown today.'. "It says to me that a minority of Millwall fans are spoiling it for a club that is going in the right direction with a tag they have had for years and years and they are trying to eradicate it.". "The club does an enormous amount of work on anti-racism and the club do a lot of work in the community and there is some really positive stuff, so of course I am disappointed. The statement released by Millwall read: 'We are fully supportive of the efforts in ridding the sport, and society, of all forms of discrimination. Understand THAT., Laurence who has been critical of the BLM movement in the past spotted Piers comments and replied: Kneeling is a gesture of subservience and submission in our culture. 'We wish to make clear that taking the knee, for us, is in no way representative of any agreement with political messaging or ideology. 'We will continue to do this until the start of the new year when a new and comprehensive anti-discrimination strategy will be announced by the club.'. In a statement, it said: "The FA supports all players and staff that wish to take a stand against discrimination in a respectful manner, which includes taking of the knee, and strongly condemns the behaviours of any spectators that actively voice their opposition to such activities. The Football Association and anti-discrimination body Kick It Out have also condemned the booing. People must feel free to demonstrate their abhorrence to racism in their own way. Saturday's game should have been a joyous occasion as2,000 supporters were permitted to attend the game for the first time since lockdown, caused by the coronavirus, started in March. Last updated on 6 December 20206 December 2020.From the section Millwall. "The club will not allow their fine work to be in vain.". 'The club do an enormous amount of work on anti-racism and the club do a lot of work in the community and there is some really positive stuff, so of course I am disappointed.'. ", Cousin of Black Lives Matter founder died after being repeatedly tasered by police - as bodycam footage released, Boris Johnson had 'problem' responding to race report due to his 'bad track record', peer claims, Hate crimes recorded in England and Wales reach record high. 'What this demonstrates is that players are right to continue standing up to discrimination, whether that is through taking the knee or speaking out. Coventry are another team who have opted not to take a knee this season. Kick It Out said in a statement on Saturday: 'We are saddened by the behaviour of fans booing the players taking the knee today at Millwall. https://t.co/RbovgLjVF1, Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 6, 2020. "We urge the players to continue using their platforms and their voices to support this fight.". Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Onana pointed to his relationship with fans and his performances when . and take serious action against this'. The broadcast journalist then claimed to have invited Laurence onto Good Morning Britain six weeks ago but he pulled out at the last minute. 'The fight for racial equality continues and we will continue to work closely with clubs across the country to tackle discrimination in all its forms. Derby forward Colin Kazim-Richards, who is Black, described the booing as an "absolute disgrace" in a tweet after the match, where he expressed pride in taking a stand against racism. Ahead of the clash manager Gary Rowett and the players released a statement that read: "We are fully supportive of the efforts in ridding the sport, and society, of all forms of discrimination. Millwall, who have spent decades attempting to improve their reputation after incidents of racial abuse from the stands, issued a statement shortly after Eustice's remarks saying they were "dismayed and saddened" by the boos. 08 January 2022. Queens Park Rangers made the decision to stop taking the knee in September with director of football Les Ferdinand saying the gesture had 'reached a point of 'good PR' but little more than that'. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. 'Millwall Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday's game against Derby County at The Den. 4 Millwall fans were involved in a fight in the away end at Cardiff Credit: Rex 4 The same season we beat the Nigels, Chelsea and Leicester before losing at Luton. The FA says it "strongly condemns" fans who "actively voice their opposition" to players taking a stand against discrimination. said it was "disappointing and upsetting" to hear the booing from supporters. Derby first-team coach Liam Rosenior said that the players were affected by the booing at The Den on Saturday. Millwall 's Mahlon Romeo has issued a strong and emotional statement after the club's fans booed both sets of players when they 'took the knee' prior to today's game. Here's how Millwall fans reacted to players taking a knee at kick-off Section of crowd at Millwall vs Derby game start booing as players take a knee in support of Black Lives Matter movement 'To stand by their staff, and they have many black members of staff who are equally as hurt and are equally as damaged by the fact that their fanbase could dare to question what the players are trying to achieve.'. "More on this story: https://t.co/SCap9J1hYZ pic.twitter.com/xETM4W5oHB, Lions fans are no strangers to controversy. "The impact of such incidents is felt not just by the players and management, but by those who work throughout the club and in its academy and community trust, where so many staff and volunteers continue passionate endeavours to enhance Millwall's reputation day after day, year after year. His club said it was "fully behind any and all of our players and staff who take a stand against any form of discrimination", adding: "We also condemn the behaviours of any supporters that actively voice opposition to those activities.". "What this demonstrates is that platers are right to continue standing up to discrimination, whether that is through taking the knee or speaking out. It needs looking at and addressing. "There are 2,000 so you can pinpoint the people going. That is racism. "I know that footballers are role models in their communities and that's something where, at the very top, we can affect things the best we can and appoint the very right person for the job moving forward.". Ever since English teams returned to the field last summer after an unplanned, months-long break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, players, coaches and have been taking a knee before games in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards described the Millwall incident as "disheartening". 'I don't want to say much about it, but all I can say is everyone at Derby County Football Club, we obviously took the knee, and no one condones that behaviour. ', Gary Lineker joined other former players who condemned Millwall fans' behaviour on Twitter, Tweeting after the game, Derby County first team coach Liam Rosenior said: 'Proud of the team. "We need to look at these instances of prejudice and racism and what it does is move things forward," he said. Play it now! 'What this demonstrates is that players are right to continue standing up to discrimination, whether that is through taking the knee or speaking out. Trevor Sinclair, who was sacked by the BBC for racially abusing a police officer while being arrested for drink driving in 2018, slammed the Millwall fans. ", Ex-Chelsea ace Costa carried off with serious-looking injury for Wolves vs Spurs, Cherries take shock lead at Arsenal after 9 SECONDS with 'kick-off glitch', Moment Aston Villa's Leon Bailey inhales 'laughing gas' after all night party, 'Professional boxer' Paul teases announcement with hilarious video after Fury loss, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. "The club do an enormous amount of work on anti-racism and the club do a lot of work in the community and there is some really positive stuff, so of course I am disappointed.". This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy.