Millwall release statement after being charged with rule breaches following FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace
MILLWALL released a statement after being charged with rule breaches following the FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace.
The fiery South London derby saw the Eagles beat the Lions in the fifth round.
The match was overshadowed by the horror injury to Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and sickening chants by some Millwall fans.
And two of the songs during the first half prompted action from the FA.
The football governing body said: “Millwall FC has been charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control following the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace FC on Saturday 1 March.
“It’s alleged that during the 5th and 20th minutes the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting way with either express or implied reference to sexual orientation.”
Millwall released their own comment on Thursday morning in response.
The Den club said: “Millwall Football Club notes The Football Association’s decision to charge the club with breaches of rule E21 following the Emirates FA Cup fixture away to Crystal Palace on Saturday 1st March 2025.
“The chant in question is condemned by Millwall Football Club, and once again it strongly emphasises its zero-tolerance policy against discrimination of all kinds.
“The club remains committed to working tirelessly to eradicate homophobic chanting, and any other form of discriminatory abuse, from the sport.
“This work will continue under the club’s leading anti-discrimination campaign, All ‘Wall, which is promoted ahead of every fixture and overseen by its industry-leading Equality Steering Committee.
“The club is proud to work side-by-side with the Millwall Community Trust to support, and provide, a safe, inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through its two LGBTQ+ teams, Millwall Romans and Millwall Pride.
“Both hugely successful teams, the number of participants continues to grow each day, with everyone brought together into a welcoming environment by a mutual love for football and Millwall.
“Everyone associated with Millwall Football Club has a responsibility to act as an ambassador of the club. Passion, loyalty, family, uniqueness defines the support for the club and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.
“Should you hear any racist, homophobic, misogynistic, tragedy chanting or any other discriminatory abuse during Saturday’s home fixture against Middlesbrough, you can use the club’s dedicated ‘Hear Hate? Don’t Hesitate’ reporting service by texting ‘HATE’ and your message to 66777, or by emailing slo@millwallfc.co.uk.”