Millwall players will team up with opposing Queens Park Rangers at The Den on Tuesday night after the controversy was booed on Saturday.
Boos rang the doorbell at the team’s stadium in south east London as the players fell on their knees in solidarity against racism.
Millwall has since said it was them “upset and sad” at the actions of the fans who saw their first game in months in the stadium.
Millwall fans boo as the players take the knee
In a statement released on Monday evening, the club outlined its plan for the next game.
They said: “Millwall and Queens Park Rangers players will stand arm in arm to show solidarity for football’s fight against discrimination before kick-off on Tuesday night at The Den.
“The two teams will hold a banner to show their shared commitment to ongoing efforts to eradicate racism in a positive move supported by Kick It Out, Show Racism, the Red Card, PFA, FA and EFL was after discussions with the club in the last few days.
“Millwall believes this gesture, which the club plans to repeat with other visiting teams in the coming weeks and months, will help unite people across society in the fight against all forms of discrimination.”
Millwall added that the Kick It Out logo will take the place of main sponsor Huski Chocolate on the team’s jersey.
After the cacophony at the start of the game on Saturday, Derby striker Colin Kazim-Richards, who stood on his knees with a fist raised, called the boo “an absolute shame”.
Secretary of State James Cleverly said earlier on Monday that he would feel “uncomfortable” if action were taken against the booing fans, although he added that the act was “wrong”.
The Den’s statement went on to say, “QPR has informed Millwall that a selection of its players would like to take their knee down to show their support for anti-discrimination efforts – a gesture the club respects and which is encouraging for all involved.” Presence to do as well.
“Millwall has a zero tolerance policy against racial and all other forms of discrimination and wants to make it clear to anyone who holds such views that you are not welcome at this football club.
In the next game at The Den, Millwall and her opponents will join arms
“Millwall’s stance is, as always, that anyone found guilty of racial abuse is banned for life.
“Going forward, the club and its Community Trust have begun initial screening of board members, staff, volunteers and participants as part of an ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion across all business areas.
“An internal survey has been sent to all appropriate stakeholders. The results will enable the club to set the necessary benchmarks for a new, widespread and multifaceted anti-discrimination strategy.
“This includes the creation of a code of conduct for equality, diversity and inclusion that covers the departments throughout the club’s activities and recruiting processes.
“In addition to striving to ensure that all Millwall workforce are fully representative of the diverse local community, the Trust will continue its outstanding and industry-leading anti-discrimination work in Southwark, Lewisham and, most importantly, beyond.
“This will continue to include programs and projects in elementary and secondary schools and colleges, as the club believes that education is the most important driver in ridding society of all forms of discrimination.”
