Millwall have found no evidence of homophobic chanting during their 2-0 Championship win against Reading following a “thorough and exhaustive” investigation.
The game was stopped by referee Keith Stroud during the first half after his assistant alerted him to chants from sections of the home support in the East Stand. After both managers had been informed fans were warned over the stadium’s PA at half-time.
Millwall said that, in response to being alerted by the officials, the club “carried out step one of the advised protocol by making a tannoy announcement to the crowd as quickly as possible”. But despite a comprehensive investigation into the alleged incident, the club found no evidence of homophobic chanting.
“Millwall Football Club wishes to update its supporters with the latest information surrounding allegations of homophobic mass chanting during the victory over Reading at The Den on Saturday 18th January 2020,” read a statement. “The club instigated an immediate investigation into the allegations which has been every bit as thorough and exhaustive as is appropriate in such circumstances. Despite this comprehensive investigation, however, no evidence has come to light to substantiate the allegations.
“The club was immensely disappointed by the media coverage of this incident and was especially outraged by outlets whose use of language implied guilt before any facts were established. Such blatant misreporting is extremely harmful to the reputation of its supporters and to the efforts of the entire football family in fighting all forms of discrimination. The club has already received apologies from some of the news organisations concerned and now anticipates similarly widespread reporting of this outcome to its investigation into the matter.”