Millwall fans who shamed Wembley by fighting a bloody battle amongst themselves while their team slumped to an FA Cup semi-final defeat will face life bans, the London club warned on Saturday.
Eleven people were arrested after violent scuffles broke out towards the end of their 2-0 defeat by Wigan Athletic.
Police wielding batons eventually brought the disorder under control, and the Metropolitan Police said four officers had sustained “minor injuries”.
“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,” said Millwall chief executive Andy Ambler.
“Having worked so hard to show the positive side of our club both on and off the field, we cannot allow the actions of a mindless minority to undermine that.
“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.”
The fighting, which left many young children in the stands in tears, came on the weekend of the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
One Millwall fan was even highlighted on television, snatching a police officer’s helmet and smilingly tucking it inside his jacket.
“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,” said Millwall manager Kenny Jackett.
“I’d need to examine the facts, see it, and talk to people, before I can give an opinion on it.”
Told by reporters that some young Millwall fans had been reduced to tears by the fighting, he said: “I’m very, very sorry if that’s the case. But until I do see those images and get the time to sum that up for myself, it’s tough for me to comment.”
He added: “We have worked very hard, the chief executive and chairman, to do everything we possibly can to be trouble-free. We have had high-profile games that have gone very well. We have done everything we possibly can.”
A police spokesman confirmed that 11 arrests had been made.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said he had been stunned by the violence which left some fans injured.
“I can’t understand why the Millwall fans would fight each other,” 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.”
Football Association general secretary Alex Horne said that fans involved in the violence could be banned from all grounds in the country.
“The Metropolitan Police and The FA are investigating scenes of sporadic violence and disorder in the Millwall FC end at today’s FA Cup Semi-Final,” said Horne in a statement.
“The FA and Wembley Stadium will work with 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 scenes which have taken place, which are unacceptable. Everything will be done to take action against those involved.”
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez criticised the feuding fans.
“It is disappointing,” said Martinez. “It was an exciting game and there was plenty to concentrate on.
“A small minority give the game a bad name.”
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.
Bondy
I watched that live, the game continued but the broadcaster took the viewer to the theif who stole the policemens hat live. You couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't happen in three months time,oddly good luck to Wigan they play Man Cty,now that would be somewhat nervy for City.
Australian Rules
Guest
Milwall have really upped the ante by fighting amongst themselves! And the next day it was Newcastle's turn to attack police on the streets, throwing rocks and glass bottles. Just bizarre, pathetic behaviour.
Two Up Front.com.au
Guest
Love them or loathe them Millwall will always have a reputation (granted in the minority these days), though their hardcore trouble makers tend to come out of the woodwork for bigger games. The policing at Wembley, in fact most major uk grounds means that fighting between rival fans 'in' the ground is almost impossible. So it doesnt surprise me that they have turned on each other, as there are always inter rivalries 'even' in the same club and it doesnt take much to spark trouble with these guys. Im been following Jacketts comments (post fan trouble) for awhile and he tends never to see or hear anything. You could argue his job is on field, but at the same time he never really condones trouble and almost accepts its part of the Millwall culture. Now before everyone jumps on this thread, Ive been to the New Den and regardless of what the Millwall management spout about making the stadium safer the streets are another potential battle ground, especially during mid week games. To combat this all of their home games should be on weekends, start at noon and close all pubs in a 3 mile radius before and after games.