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Millwall have been charged this week over fan abuse and an ‘offensive chant’ aimed at Wigan Athletic player James McClean.
The game, which ended in a 2-1 win for Wigan, was marred by “F*** the Pope and the IRA” chants. Now the FA is taking action after being urged to do so for a log while now.
The Football Association has charged Millwall for misconduct after its fans directed anti-Catholic chants towards James McClean in the Championship last season.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) June 23, 2023
According to hubfootballuk, in the past three years, the Republic of Ireland international has been subjected to anti-Catholic abuse from supporters of the following:
• Sunderland
• Millwall
• Stoke City
• Rotherham United
• Luton Town
• Queens Park Rangers
• Bristol City
• Huddersfield Town
• Plymouth Argyle
• Portsmouth
• Barnsley
• Accrington Stanley
• Blackpool
“Millwall FC has been charged with three breaches of misconduct in relation to crowd control for incidents that took place during its EFL Championship game against Wigan Athletic FC on Saturday 22 April 2023,” the FA statement read.
“It’s alleged the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters – and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers – conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at the game, and do not use words or behave in a way which is improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting, with either express or implied reference to religion, in the 8th, 12th and 45th minutes.
“Millwall FC has until Friday 30 June 2023 to provide its responses.”
MILLWALL STATEMENT:
Millwall Football Club notes The Football Association’s decision to charge the club with breaches of rule E21 following the Championship fixture away to Wigan Athletic on Saturday 22nd April 2023.
The club strongly condemns discrimination of all kinds and has a zero-tolerance policy against such abuse.
Through the work of its industry-leading Equality Steering Committee, the club takes a very proactive approach to combatting discrimination and continues to work tirelessly on a wide range of initiatives and measures to help continue driving positive change. You can read a detailed overview of Millwall’s anti-discrimination work by clicking here.
The club is formulating a comprehensive response to the charges which will be issued to The FA in due course.
The Millwall game came just a week after Latics’ visit to Blackpool when Latics’ winger James McClean was the victim of abuse again, this time by the Blackpool fans as can be seen below.
The Seasiders was also accused of misconduct for not controlling their crowd at the derby.
Blackpool said in a statement: “The club strongly condemns any discriminatory language, particularly in relation to religion or race, and will continue to work alongside the FA and Lancashire Police on this matter.”
A Latics statement at the time read: “Wigan Athletic acknowledges the charge handed by the FA to Blackpool in relation to some of their supporters chanting indecent or insulting references to religion aimed at James McClean.
“James, alongside the club, has agreed to provide any further evidence required to the relevant authorities.
“Wigan Athletic does not and will not tolerate any form of deliberate discrimination or hate crime towards its players, staff or supporters and nor will it allow this behaviour towards anyone who visits the DW Stadium from anyone associated with our football club.
“The club will continue to support James.”
Here’s what Twitter users are saying as Millwall are charged over fan abuse and an ‘offensive chant’ aimed at James McClean…
@howareye: The sooner we root out these unwanted individuals the better. I am sick and tired of being tarnished with the same brush just for being a supporter of the club I love. Keep your opinions to yourself and we can all get along. I would say that for every supporter at every club!
@Mixedupmarty: If every footballer gave as much back to his community as James does the world would be a better place. And he does it under the radar, not to get his name in the paper. James is just a good down to earth Derry lad. Salt of the earth. Hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
