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Thankfully, Millwall's Saturday lunchtime FA Cup game against Luton passed by without too many unsavoury incidents. Commentators made reference to past problems, and the occasional tweet referred to the throwing of a seat or two in celebration of goals, but there was little else of off-field note.
Given the infamous scenes between the two clubs in the same competition in 1985, we should be thankful that such events were not repeated. On that day, numerous police officers were injured in trying to contain a Millwall mob that rioted before, during and after the game causing two delays in proceedings. On Saturday, local police were on the highest of alerts, but why wouldn't they be: Millwall were in town.
Looking back to a match that took place 28 years ago may seem an unfair, out-of-date reference point, but Millwall have a reputation that has been thoroughly tarnished. Furthermore, this has not been a good week in attempts to shift such an appearance.
On Monday, Sky Sports News used their Special Report to highlight the racist behaviour of a minority of fans. Their actions and words were abhorrent and repeated, and such disgusting attitudes and people have no place at football matches within this country. Earlier this season, six fans were arrested after displaying a banner that read "Sordell is a c*nt", in response to a thirteen-year-old being banned for verbally abusing the Bolton forward on Twitter.
When I remark that this makes me feel sympathy for Millwall and their fans, others react as if I have lost my mind or decency. It is exactly the same reaction when someone 'admits' that they support the club, others exhaling sharply or sighing inwardly: "It's weird, because you don't look like a hooligan".
In response to Monday's report, the club assisted the police in their investigation that ensured the arrest of the primary offender exposed. He will never again attend a football match at The Den.
This is a club that was the first in the country to introduce an anti-racism trust. It has continuous links to seven different charities including the Everyman charity, close to the club's heart after the cancer battle suffered by striker Neil Harris. When supporter Jimmy Mizen was murdered in 2008 the club decided to assist in the formation of a foundation to fund a community bus scheme, and they have adopted the Demelza House Hospice for life-limited or threatened children.
But we hear nothing of this.
The Lions' fourth round tie against Aston Villa was moved to the Friday night not to attract punters or gain TV revenue, but to avoid clashing with a protest regarding the closure of Lewisham Hospital. A club statement read: "Millwall Football Club has had reason to be grateful for the resources, facilities and care we have received from our local hospital. We are not persuaded by the arguments put forward in favour of closing the A&E department, children's ward, intensive care and maternity services, and have given permission for hospital staff and supporters to hand out leaflets and collect signatures for the petition at tomorrow's match. Our players will also be warming up before the game against Burnley in special t-shirts in support of the hospital."
And we hear nothing of this.
Millwall is no longer seen as the name of a football club but an indicator of a certain type of lowlife moron who uses a match as a vehicle for unacceptable extremism. Captain Danny Shittu reiterated both his and the club's commitment to eradicating racism and hooliganism wherever and whenever possible, but still they are debased.
Go back to the fourth paragraph and read the start of the second line again. "Minority", it reads. Millwall is a football club. It must not simply be synonymous with the thoughts and words of a number of thugs but the large number of decent fans that want to display their support in positive ways.
I am a firm believer that a club IS its fans. Whilst players, managers, owners and even grounds change, the supporters are the eternal link with a club. Where all else is impersonal, this is the personal. It is intensely sad that a section of these supporters negate the positivity that Millwall continues to produce.
The idea of the minority spoiling it for the majority is a cliché, but here it rings true. And in this case the minority continues to generate the headlines.
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