Millwall fans fight among themselves during FA Cup semi-final
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Millwall supporters fought among each other during the second half of their 2-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Wigan Athletic at Wembley on Saturday.
During the first half, Millwall fans generated an intimidating atmosphere but it was welcome.
Then at half-time, news emerged that paramedics were called to treat a Millwall fan for injuries sustained from another Lions supporter.
Scuffles broke out in a couple of areas and all of the Millwall fans lost interest in the match and watched the trouble.
Police with batons then moved in to quell the trouble in an eerie reminder of the scourge of hooliganism that once plagued the English game.
"Our position is clear - anyone associated with our club found guilty of violent behaviour will be banned indefinitely from Millwall matches in addition to any punishment they receive from the authorities," Millwall chief executive Andy Ambler said in a statement.
"At this stage we are still in the process of establishing the full details of what happened in a section of the ground during the second half.
"When we have those facts at our disposal and the police have completed their investigations we may be in a position to comment further."
In pictures broadcast around the world, one female Wigan fan was seen to be in tears as Millwall supporters traded punches.
Ex-England manager Kevin Keegan, a TV pundit for the semi-final, said: "We don't want these people in football.
"It was shocking to see the picture of a young girl crying."
Incredibly, Millwall boss Kenny Jackett claimed he was unaware of the fighting.
He said: "I didn't see or wasn't aware of any fighting during the game. I was concentrating on the game and I wasn't aware of any problems.
"I'd need to examine the facts, see it, and talk to people, before I can give an opinion on it."
London club Millwall had long been associated with violence and hooliganism in the 1970s and 1980s but have been making strides to combat the problem in recent years.
"I can't understand why the Millwall fans would fight each other," Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told BBC Radio.
"I understand if they want to fall out with the visiting team, but why would they fall out amongst themselves? It just gives football a very, very poor reputation.
"We know Millwall are a tough club, their team's tough to play, the supporters are Millwall, Millwall, Millwall... straight through. But don't fight each other. I couldn't understand that."
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| Trouble breaks out between Millwall supporters during their FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Photo: Getty Images |
During the first half, Millwall fans generated an intimidating atmosphere but it was welcome.
Then at half-time, news emerged that paramedics were called to treat a Millwall fan for injuries sustained from another Lions supporter.
Scuffles broke out in a couple of areas and all of the Millwall fans lost interest in the match and watched the trouble.
Police with batons then moved in to quell the trouble in an eerie reminder of the scourge of hooliganism that once plagued the English game.
"Our position is clear - anyone associated with our club found guilty of violent behaviour will be banned indefinitely from Millwall matches in addition to any punishment they receive from the authorities," Millwall chief executive Andy Ambler said in a statement.
"At this stage we are still in the process of establishing the full details of what happened in a section of the ground during the second half.
"When we have those facts at our disposal and the police have completed their investigations we may be in a position to comment further."
 | |
| A young Millwall supporter is seen crying amongst the Wembley violence Photo: YouTube |
In pictures broadcast around the world, one female Wigan fan was seen to be in tears as Millwall supporters traded punches.
Ex-England manager Kevin Keegan, a TV pundit for the semi-final, said: "We don't want these people in football.
"It was shocking to see the picture of a young girl crying."
Incredibly, Millwall boss Kenny Jackett claimed he was unaware of the fighting.
He said: "I didn't see or wasn't aware of any fighting during the game. I was concentrating on the game and I wasn't aware of any problems.
"I'd need to examine the facts, see it, and talk to people, before I can give an opinion on it."
 | |
| Police officers wield batons as they attempt to stop Millwall fans fighting amongst themselves Photo: Getty Images |
London club Millwall had long been associated with violence and hooliganism in the 1970s and 1980s but have been making strides to combat the problem in recent years.
"I can't understand why the Millwall fans would fight each other," Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told BBC Radio.
"I understand if they want to fall out with the visiting team, but why would they fall out amongst themselves? It just gives football a very, very poor reputation.
"We know Millwall are a tough club, their team's tough to play, the supporters are Millwall, Millwall, Millwall... straight through. But don't fight each other. I couldn't understand that."
