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Most of the Millwall players still plan to kneel before the start of tonight’s game against QPR, despite loud boos from some local fans in the Den on Saturday.
Millwall has decided that its players will join the QPR players and hold up a banner that reads “inequality” with the “in” crossed out, as a show of solidarity against racism and other social injustices. That was a decision made after a discussion between the club’s leaders and the team.
But, Sky Sports News has been told that these plans are not expected to replace the symbolic act of kneeling, which will again be left to the individual choice of each player.
Tuesday, December 8 7:00 p.m.
Start 7:45 pm
A senior source in Millwall told Sky Sports News that some Millwall staff and players were left in tears over the actions of a group of supporters who booed before the Derby game, as well as the widespread condemnation that followed.
Millwall defender Mahlon Romeo accused those who booed of “spreading hatred”, adding that they “personally disrespected not only me but the football club.”
Millwall defender Mahlon Romeo spoke out against those who booed players for kneeling
QPR players are also expected to kneel in a show of “solidarity” before the match, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football, despite the club’s director of football, Les Ferdinand, previously claiming that the action it had been “diluted.”
In a statement Monday, announcing its decision to join arms with QPR players before the game, Millwall said: “Millwall believes that this gesture, which the club hopes to repeat with other visiting teams in the coming weeks and months, will help unify people from all over society in the battle to eradicate all forms of discrimination.
“Millwall has a zero tolerance policy against racial profiling and all other forms of discrimination and wants to make it clear to anyone holding such views that you are not welcome in this football club. Millwall’s stance, as always, it is that anyone found guilty of racial abuse is banned for life. “
1:20
QPR boss Mark Warburton has confirmed that his players will kneel in Millwall on Tuesday, reversing the club’s previous decision to stop the gesture.
‘It is not for us to judge Millwall’s arm posture’
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. .
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.”
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.
He told Sky Sports News: “It was 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.
1:56
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.
“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.”
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.
1:38
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.
“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.”
Millwall sponsor alongside the club
Tuesday’s game will also see Millwall wear the Kick It Out logo on its matchday jerseys in place of one of its main sponsors, Huski Chocolate.
Linus Wessman, CEO and founder of the Swedish brand, has told Sky Sports News that they fully support Millwall’s stance on racism and its decision to temporarily replace the company logo.
Millwall’s title sponsor to be replaced by the Kick It Out logo on Tuesday
“We have been in regular communication with the club after what happened on Saturday, and we will do everything we can to help Millwall take a stand against racism,” Wessman said. “Our relationship is very strong.
“Sometimes stupid fans do stupid things, maybe it wasn’t even Millwall fans who booed. But this isn’t just Millwall, it’s a much bigger problem, and much bigger than Millwall. We have the same perspective as the club. when it comes to fighting racism.
“It’s important that we do everything we can to help the club take sides. Getting on our knees is one thing, but fighting racism is a much bigger and more important issue.”
“This does not affect our support for the club, nor does it mean that we would withdraw our sponsorship, in any way.”
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