'Taking the knee, for us, is in no way representative of any agreement with political messaging or ideology. Millwall say they are "dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday's game against Derby . The gesture has been carried out by players and staff across the country originally in support of Black Lives Matter, before the Premier League distanced itself from the movement. "It is so disheartening because it is like we have come so far but we have so far to go. Their racist demonstration against the Black Lives Matter movement was a frustrating event that overshadowed the return of fans to English football grounds. We should resist enforced orthodoxy. In footage on social media, fans at The Den, Millwall's home ground in southeast London, can be heard booing as players from both sides take a knee before kick-off. It was pleasing to get the win. If you boo you are racist simple. 'We wish to make clear that taking the knee, for us, is in no way representative of any agreement with political messaging or ideology. Prior to their game, the Millwallsquad released a statement, which read: 'As a squad we are fully supportive of the entire football familys efforts in ridding the sport, and society generally, of all forms of discrimination. The fans today have disrespected not just me, but the football club. Insistence that the knee is the morally superior way enforces religious rituals. https://t.co/RbovgLjVF1, Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 6, 2020. The efl have to be strong 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. "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.". The position was taken by National Football League (NFL) player Colin Kaepernick during the playing of the U.S. national anthem to call attention to racial injustice, and has been adopted by many sports players since. The English Football Association condemned the behaviour in a statement on Saturday, and acting Derby County boss Wayne Rooney said it was "disappointing and upsetting" to see. 'What this demonstrates is that players are right to continue standing up to discrimination, whether that is through taking the knee or speaking out. Derby forward Colin Kazim-Richards described the incident as "an absolute disgrace". Play it now! Captaincy chaos and Waldrum ultimatums - Will Nigeria be ready for World Cup. It is time and time and time again.". Protests were seen across the UK, with one of the most iconic images showing Black Lives Matter protester Patrick Hutchinson carrying Millwall fan Bryn Male to safety in London on June 13. "We urge the players to continue using their platforms and their voices to support this fight. "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. 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 . The Den welcomed back 2,000 supporters for the first time since the start of the pandemic for their 1-0 defeat to Wayne Rooney's Derby. "What this demonstrates is that platers are right to continue standing up to discrimination, whether that is through taking the knee or speaking out. As 2,000 supporters were permitted to attend the Millwall versus Derby County game, it also marked the first time fans have been present since footballers started to take the knee before games. The booing by some Millwall fans was heavily criticised by several former players. So when these negative things happen in football or in society it brings people together and that is actually the message in taking the knee. having used what he admitted was "unacceptable" language when referring to black players while appearing before the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee via video link. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. But having to say this is a pain but Ill say it every single damn time this is why I STAND and STAND PROUD and I have to say every single person involved with @dcfcofficial did too made me proud to wear this shirt with the boys today!!! Former England striker and Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: "Let's be fair, it only appears to be a small minority of Millwall fans that didn't boo the players taking the knee. 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. The day marked the first time that fans were able to attend a game in person since lockdown began in March. December 7, 2020 - 10:58AM Fans of English Championship club Millwall booed as players took a knee in support of the fight against racial injustice. ", 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. Last updated on 6 December 20206 December 2020.From the section Millwall. '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. Millwall released a statement on Sunday that read: "Millwall Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday's game against Derby County at The Den. A lot of people are being fooled out there. 'We applaud the players for taking a stand and defying the hate shown today. Millwall Football Club says it is "dismayed and saddened" by its fans booing players when they took the knee yesterday in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Millwall fans boo their own players for kneeling Ever since English teams returned to the field last summer after an unplanned, months-long break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, players,. 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? 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. 'Taking the knee will not bring about change in the game - actions will.'. "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. Millwall say they are "dismayed and saddened" after some of their fans booed players taking a knee at the start of Saturday's game against Derby. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Millwall players take a knee before kick-off against Derby. Millwall Fans Boo Players Taking Knee for Black Lives Matter First Round of Matches With Fans After over nine months, fans are finally back in the stadiums, albeit at a limited capacity. Millwall FC players take a knee. Sport. "It is purely about tackling discrimination.". '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. The comments below have not been moderated. 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.'. They said staff and volunteers have worked hard to enhance the club's reputation but admits there is still "much work to be done". 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. For the first time in eight months, 2,000 Millwall supporters were allowed inside the stadium for the visit of . Millwall footballer Mahlon Romeo said his team's fans 'have personally disrespected not just me but the football club'. Share the love. What they have done is booed and condemned a peaceful gesture which was put in place to highlight, combat and stop any discriminatory behaviour. He wrote: 'Reality is Millwall fans booing players taking a knee doesn't surprise many!!! He added: 'Taking the knee was very powerful but we feel that impact has now been diluted. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Some boos were also heard when players took the knee at League Two Colchester United's JobServe Community Stadium, before the home side's 2-1 win over Grimsby Town in front of around 1,000 spectators. "Prior to the match, we were aware of the possibility of a planned disruptive response during the taking of the knee in support of the BLM campaign, but nothing prepared us for what we heard. It feels like it falls on deaf ears. A much-needed victory today, what are your emotions? The scenes have prompted reactions from pundits and former players including Trevor Sinclair, Gregg Halford and Gary Lineker, who told his Twitter followers the Millwall fans not booing were in the 'minority'. The Lions added they are committed to doing it to "be a force for good". 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. Chelsea fans were rubbing their eyes when they finally saw their side score on Saturday. The Blues have struggled to create any clear chances in the game, with Joao Felix hitting the crossbar after some good work from Raheem Sterling.. Ben Chilwell has been the main outlet for Graham Potter's side but neither side have been able to find a . 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. ", Ex-England and West Ham United player Trevor Sinclair said: "Reality is Millwall fans booing players taking a knee doesn't surprise many!". I heard it and wasvery surprised. However, several players and pundits took to social media to condemn the fans and call for action to be taken. The Football Association and anti-discrimination body Kick It Out have condemned the booing. No one condones that behaviour. In footage on social media, fans at The Den, Millwall's home ground in southeast London, can be heard booing as players from both sides take a knee before kick-off. 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. That is racism. "I was proud of my players and staff for not letting the fans deter them from continuing to present a positive and important message that taking the knee immediately before a game sends. 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. "More on this story: https://t.co/SCap9J1hYZ pic.twitter.com/xETM4W5oHB, Lions fans are no strangers to controversy. '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.'. It dont believe in moral superiority [sic], he told the presenter. 'I absolutely do feel that Millwall should have put something out yesterday to stand by those players who are hurt. Millwall fans who booed players taking the knee are hiding behind a racist lie A selection of supporters inside the Den on Saturday booed when players from Millwall and Derby knelt on the. 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. The position was taken by National Football League (NFL) player Colin Kaepernick during the playing of the U.S. national anthem to call attention to racial injustice, and has been adopted by many sports players since. Derby interim boss Rooney, who secured his first win in charge of the Rams with a 1-0 success at The Den, said: 'With everything that has been going on in recent months, it was very surprising. The players, staff and match officials all took a knee at the start of the match between. 'Millwall Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday's game against Derby County at The Den. 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. Millwall's fans grabbed the headlines before kick off as they continued to boo the Bluebirds players who took the knee along with their manager and the referee. "We are disappointed that a small group of supporters have today chosen to voice their opposition to such activities directly aimed at raising awareness of the fight against racism.". '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. THE NOTEBOOK: Arsenal are becoming the comeback kings after winning the battle of the American tycoons 'I started to run and didn't really know where I was running to': Mikel Arteta admits he lost his bearings Millwall fans booed as players took the knee ahead of their game against Derby, Do not sell or share my personal information. Millwall fans boo as players take the knee. As players from both teams bent down on one knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, boos and jeers rang around the stadium from the Millwall fans. Derby first-team coach Liam Rosenior said that the players were affected by the booing at The Den on Saturday. Creating a new men's skincare product leads to a sticky situation in Lord Sugar's boardroom Get latest scores and headlines sent straight to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online. It offended me, the players and everyone who works for this club. "I've heard a lot of people say that football shouldn't be a vehicle for change in society but it absolutely 100% is. "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. I am sick to death of talking about this situation. 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. Ben Haslam. ', 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.'. It has offended me and everyone who works for this club the players and the staff. People must feel free to demonstrate their abhorrence to racism in their own way. As their match against Derby County was about to begin, video footage taken from the ground shows that there were a large number of aggressive boos from the stands as the players knelt down. 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. He then accused Laurence of fuelling these bigots with your absurd false equivalence. 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. How do these fans get allocated to the games?". "I'm really proud to represent my country and my football club, I'm proud to be a black and ethnic minority coach in the game and that hurt, being stood on the touchline hearing the boos. "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. 'I know this is not them and Steve was hurting. Even the UK government is tentatively supporting the Millwall fans so clearly the . Some players, pundits and fans have condemned the fans' actions while others say the gesture is no longer appropriate. This only enraged Piers further as he responded: Youre comparing taking the knee as a protest against racial injustice to appeasing Nazis? 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'. Speaking to theBBC, he added: 'There are 2,000 so you can pinpoint the people going. "BLM is an anti racist movement. 'The gesture of 'taking the knee' before matches provides an opportunity for us to do exactly that and continues to allow all those playing to publicly showcase their support - on behalf of the whole squad - for the fight against discrimination. Speaking to Sky Sports, McAnuff believes that the supporters in question are 'opposing equality' by the act . Coventry are another team who have opted not to take a knee this season. 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. 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 . 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. 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. Cancel any time. Its websites postgame match report made no mention of the incident that occurred before kickoff. Millwall's match with Derby on. Went with a load of mates from Peckham, Lewisham, Hither green and Catford. The Black Lives Matter slogan also appeared on Premier League shirts. "But I'll say it every single damn time this is why I STAND and STAND PROUD and I have to say every single person involved with [Derby] did too.". "It is our duty to reinforce the positive messaging. Millwall Football Club has said it is 'dismayed and saddened' by fans who booed as players took the knee at a game in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.The jeering happened at the start of the team's match against Derby County at The Den, attended by about 2,000 supporters.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/skynews Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynews Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skynews Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skynews For more content go to http://news.sky.com and download our apps: Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-news/id316391924?mt=8 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.skynews.android\u0026hl=en_GBSky News videos are now available in Spanish here/Los video de Sky News estn disponibles en espaol aqu https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzG5BnqHO8oNlrPDW9CYJog