Millwall ‘dismayed and saddened’ as fans boo players taking the knee with club insisting they will remain at the ‘forefront of football’s anti-discrimination efforts’

Millwall have released a statement condemning those supporters who booed as the players took the knee ahead of Saturday’s match against Derby County.

A section of the 2,000 spectators allowed back into The Den were clearly heard showing their distaste for the gesture, which has been a frequent sight ahead of football matches since football restarted in June.

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The boos could be audibly heard as the players took the knee before kick-off

The supporters have been widely criticised in the hours since the incident, and Millwall spoke out on Sunday morning to make clear they will not let the shock scenes affect the work they do to ‘enhance the club’s reputation’ after a history of hooliganism and racism.

“Millwall Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday’s game against Derby County at The Den,” read the statement.

“The club has worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare for the return of supporters and what should have been a positive and exciting occasion was completely overshadowed, much to the immense disappointment and upset of those who have contributed to those efforts.

“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.

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“The club will not allow their fine work to be in vain.

“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.

“There is much work to be done and at Millwall everyone is committed to doing all that is possible, both individually and collectively, to be a force for good and to ensure that the club remains at the forefront of football’s anti-discrimination efforts.

“Over the coming days, club, Academy and Community Trust staff will meet with Kick It Out and representatives from other appropriate bodies in an attempt to use Saturday’s events as a catalyst for more rapid solutions which have an impact both in the short and long-term.

“Further comment will be made once those meetings and discussions are concluded.”

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