Millwall will not appeal racist chant punishment over Everton game
Millwall have decided not to appeal against a £10,000 fine for “racist chanting” at their 3-2 FA Cup home win over Everton in January.
The club must also carry out an “action plan” to combat the issue, in tandem with the pioneering role it has played in projects to combat race bias.
The Lions have said they will not appeal against an FA regulatory commission’s decision to impose on it a fine and action plan following a breach of FA Rule E20.
A statement issued by the club today said: “Following the Everton game the club introduced a range of new anti-discrimination measures, including its ‘Hear Hate? Don’t Hesitate’ campaign, and will continue to assess its initiatives and enhance them accordingly.
“The ongoing support and efforts of staff and fans alike to assist with eradicating all forms of discrimination from The Den is appreciated by everyone at Millwall.
“The work of all associated with the club, including that of the supporters, has been recognised and commended by The FA during this process and clearly there is a solid platform from which to build and progress.
“The club will continue to work with Kick It Out, Show Racism The Red Card and – it hopes – the governing bodies, to ensure football is a powerful force for good in society.
“After thoroughly studying the full written reasons for the majority verdict, the club fundamentally disagrees with several elements which have shaped the subsequent sanction against it.
“But no appeal will be made as this will only further an already lengthy legal battle which would in no way assist with its continued aim to rid the game of discrimination. The club’s efforts will be better served enhancing its existing measures. This will remain its focus following this disappointing sanction.”
Anyone found guilty of discrimination at The Den is issued with an immediate ban and offered to attend a ‘Fan Diversity Scheme’ – which aims to educate rather than just exclude.
That is run by Millwall For All – the club’s anti-discrimination body, set up in 1994 and the first project of its kind at a club in England.
We always get the bad press for the so called football fans, and it’s about time they support all clubs, home or away to kick it out of socieity not just sport.