Millwall will hand life bans to any fans found guilty of racist abuse in Everton game
Sunday 27 January 2019 13:34, UK
Millwall have vowed to issue life bans to any supporter found guilty of racist abuse during the club’s FA Cup victory over Everton.
Video footage emerged after the game appearing to show a group of supporters taunting Everton fans with a song featuring racist language about people of South Asian descent.
FA investigates claims Millwall fans used racist language in song
The behaviour by a section of Millwall supporters was branded "disgusting" by anti-racism campaign Kick It Out, while the Football Association has confirmed it is launching an investigation into the matter.
A club statement read: "Millwall Football Club is aware of, and extremely disappointed by, a video circulating online displaying alleged racist chanting during Saturday's victory over Everton.
"The club will, as is commonplace following such incidents, work with all relevant authorities during investigations into the matter and look to identify individuals involved. Anyone identified and guilty of such abuse will be banned from The Den for life.
"The club would like to place on record its gratitude to, and pride in, the vast majority of its supporters who gave their team outstanding backing throughout the match and who deserve to enjoy a memorable victory. They should be able to do so without being tarnished by behaviour they would find abhorrent.
"Millwall Football Club has a long and proud record of anti-discrimination work and on top of this investigation will continue to work tirelessly, alongside the authorities, to eradicate all forms from the game."
A separate incident prior to the game saw a man slashed across the face during clashes close to the ground. A man in his 20s was taken to hospital but his injuries are not life threatening.
Murray Wallace's added-time goal sealed a thrilling 3-2 win for Millwall, booking their place in the FA Cup fifth round.
