Millwall fans show respect for inequality message as the world watches
Millwall fans applauded as their team and QPR players came together to hold an anti-racism banner before Tuesday’s Championship match at The Den.
Lions players did not take a knee before kick-off in the 1-1 draw with QPR at The Den but visiting players did, despite stopping the gesture earlier this month.
Home players had been booed as they took a knee before Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Derby.
Millwall said in a letter to their own fans handed to each on on entry that their behaviour was being watched by the world and it was “one of the most important days in the club’s history”.
The club added: “The eyes of the world are on this football club tonight – your club – and they want us to fail.
“Together as one, we will not let that happen.”
Millwall defender Mahlon Romeo, who said Saturday’s booing had “personally disrespected” and “offended” him, led the team out in front of captain Alex Pearce.
Players from both clubs stood arm-in-arm behind a banner with the same ‘Inequality. United for change’ message displayed on the big screen at The Den.
Millwall’s regular shirt sponsor Huski had agreed their logl would be replaced with the logo of anti-discrimination body Kick It Out.
The decision to hold up the banner came after a meeting on Monday between both clubs, Kick It Out, Show Racism The Red Card, the Professional Footballers’ Association, the Football Association and the English Football League (EFL).
The club also thanked shirt sponsors Huski Chocolate for agreeing to give up their front of shirt sponsorship for the game so it could be replaced with the logo of Kick It Out – football’s equality and inclusion organisation.
A club statement said: “Huski Chocolate continue to offer Millwall outstanding support and the club is grateful for this superb act, which displays even more unity with the club and its robust anti-discrimination measures.”
Commercial director Stuart Lock added: “It has been a challenging few days but we must rally together and unite for the good of the club and society – and have. I would like to thank Huski Chocolate for their vital assistance and look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”
Players, officials and staff at Premier League and EFL 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.