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Kick It Out head of development Troy Townsend says he will support Millwall and QPR’s decision to join hands before tonight’s championship game, but revealed there were “objections” to the plans during the “challenging” talks. .
The two teams have chosen the show of solidarity before the game in the Den, live on Sky Sports, and they will hold up a banner to show their “collective commitment” to continued efforts to rid the game of racism.
Most of the Millwall players still plan to kneel before Tuesday’s kickoff, and the decision is up to the individuals.
Tuesday, December 8 7:00 p.m.
Start 7:45 pm
In a statement Monday, Millwall “strongly” urged fans to respect the kneeling players, following boos before Saturday’s meeting with Derby.
Townsend says it was “very clear” that Millwall players will be supported if they decide to take the knee and that the club will deal with any backlash.
Townsend was involved in discussions with Millwall and QPR and says the Lions deserve praise for “proactively trying to change the image that has been a stain on their football club.”
0:23
A section of the Millwall crowd booed as the players knelt before the start of the game against the Derby.
He said Sky Sports News: “They were challenging, direct and stubborn conversations. [Millwall] they are doing what they think is right and none of us can judge that.
“My concern is the players. It was the players who were shocked by that boo on Saturday and they who have to come out and make statements.
“If the players do well and want to continue, then I am satisfied and happy. There is a fine line between doing well and badly.
1:45
Gabby Agbonlahor admits that she would consider her future if she played for Millwall after some fans booed the players kneeling on Saturday.
“There were objections and the feeling that kneeling should be the most important thing and should continue because it would be bowing to those who objected.
“Whether I am for or against, I want to be someone who supports the football club in what it is going to do.
“Of course they’re going to be under pressure. Ultimately, it’s the fans that sometimes push the messages and it’s those fans that have sparked these conversations.”
1:38
Edleen John of the FA says they fully support players who choose to kneel, following the incident in which a group of Millwall fans booed as players knelt in the game against Derby.
EFL Welcomes Millwall and QPR Shares
The English Football League (EFL) has welcomed the “positive and proactive” approach that Millwall and QPR will take in the Den.
In a statement Tuesday, the EFL said: “Our position remains unchanged and we will continue to support the wishes of the players of our clubs, either individually or collectively.
1:56
Speaking at the Super Sunday Matchday, Darren Lewis says he believes players should consider refusing to play if their calls for racial equality are not respected.
“We will facilitate the communication of the message that discrimination in any form is unacceptable and unwelcome within our game or our communities, not today or on any day.”
“EFL players who have chosen to ‘kneel’ before games or participate in similar kinds of initiatives are using their platform in front of millions around the world to make a statement about eradicating all kinds of prejudicial behavior, encouraging change of attitude and create unity.
“Players often get widespread criticism and negativity for simply doing their job, but here they are leading the way, trying to bring about positive change and should be applauded for taking a stand, showing solidarity and setting an example for others to follow.”
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