The FA Cup semi final between Millwall and Wigan must have ended with the Championship side’s hope of earning silverware this season, long forgotten. Another rather gory scenario on Saturday at the Wembley stadium was the clash between fellow Millwall fans and their eventual clash with the Stewards and Police at the stadium.
Police were called into action and forced to use batons to control the violence, while television footage showed young Lions supporters crying and another man with blood on his face.
A number of Millwall fans booed those causing the trouble before missiles rained down on the lower tier of the Championship club’s enclosure from those above.
According to one Scotland Yard spokesman: “Ten people have been arrested following sporadic disorder among fans in the Millwall supportes’ area at Wembley. Investigations into the circumstances of the incidents will continue.
The fighting had went on for nothing less than two minutes before the officers and stewards arrived, with the most pressing question of the day being the role of these police and stewards in the clash.
The Football Association released a statement condemning the violence and have also launched an investigation.
“The Metropolitan Police and The FA are this evening investigating scenes of sporadic violence and disorder in the Millwall FC end at today’s FA Cup Semi Final. The FA and Wembley stadium will work with the police and representatives of Millwall FC to review all events. We will look to ensure those involved are identified and we would call for criminal charges and a football banning order to be brought against them. The FA deplore the scene which have taken place, which are unacceptable. Everything will be done to take action against those involved,” said Alex Horne, the General Secretary of the FA.
Millwall also released a statement saying they will do everything possible to assist the FA and the Metropolitan Police in investigating the trouble.
The Lions manager, Kenny Jacket when questioned on the matter after the full- time whistle said he was not aware of the violence. The London club have a history of being troubled with hooliganism and has been working over the past few years to improve their image within the game.
Meanwhile, Nigerian born Millwall Captain Danny Shittu added: “Today was meant to be a good day at Wembley. I am disappointed by it. It’s sad to hear about these things happening on a day like today. Things like that shouldn’t be going on; it should be a great day for both sides.”
