Millwall under investigation by FA after racist chants in FA Cup game against Everton

In what was a thrilling weekend of cup action, there have been a few incidents that have reduced the amount of magic the FA Cup carries.

Championship side Millwall dubiously knocked out Premier League Everton 3-2 at The Den in what was undoubtedly a cup upset, even if Millwall were slightly fortunate that there was no VAR - but that is another debate to digest. Shortly after the game, videos surfaced on Twitter showing Millwall fans reference a derogatory term to those from the Pakistani community.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out have labeled the section of Millwall fans as "disgusting" and have called for the Football Association to act. Their statement read: "The racist chanting heard from some Millwall supporters during yesterday’s match is disgusting and typical of mass discriminatory chants that continue to go unpunished.

"We reiterate our message: racial hatred - and all forms of discrimination - have no place in society, especially not in 2019. There is no reason why a footballing environment should be the exception to this rule.

"Kick It Out wants to see the relevant authorities take swift, firm and decisive action against the perpetrators."

The whole club may now receive punishment, as the FA have opened an investigation. 

"The FA can confirm that we are aware of a video posted on social media after The Emirates FA Cup match between Millwall and Everton. Discriminatory behaviour and chanting has no place in football and we will be investigating the matter."

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) January 27, 2019

 

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Videos also emerged online over the weekend showing sets of Millwall and Everton fans clashing outside the stadium, with police scrambling to intervene. A fan ended up suffering a slashed wound to the face during the brawl.

The Metropolitan Police have requested any witnesses to contact them as they investigate. Detective Inspector Darren Young told The Mirror: "The behaviour of those involved in this incident is nothing short of disgraceful and those involved can be certain we will be working to identify them.

“We are aware of the video circulating online, which has quite rightly elicited shock and disgust. We are looking at it and urge anyone with information that could assist police to call 101 referring CAD 5117/26 Jan.”

Millwall released their own statement saying they will help with all inquiries with those found to be guilty to suffer lifetime bans. However, racism has been a common theme associated with Millwall for many years with a documentary 'Black & White Millwall' even created, which looks at how Millwall fans view their club, and their association with racism. 

#Millwall Football Club has issued the following statementhttps://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2019/january/club-statement/

— Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) January 27, 2019

Past examples date back many years. In 2004 Burnley manager Stan Ternent accused Millwall fans of making 'monkey chants' towards defender Mohammed Camara. In the same year, they were found guilty of racism towards Liverpool defender Djmi Traore, with Millwall becoming the first club to be charged by the FA for racism.

The list goes on: striker Marvin Sordell, even Spurs star Son Heung-min. Whether the FA introduce a harsher punishment this time around, remains to be seen. 

Michael Avery, from Millwall Supporters Club, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We won family club of the year in 2017; we are universally recognised for the work we do with family supporters and young supporters and this kind of thing does not help the club at all. There really is no place for it in football."

If you see or suffer any racist crime, report it to the Police by calling 101. 

Lead Image Credit - Ungry Young Man on Flickr