Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
FA Charges Millwall Over Fan Conduct in Contentious FA Cup Tie Against Crystal Palace
Millwall Football Club is facing charges from the Football Association (FA) due to the behavior of their supporters during a FA Cup fifth-round match against Crystal Palace. The FA alleges misconduct concerning crowd control and offensive chants during the heated encounter, which saw Championship side Millwall reduced to 10 players following a red card incident involving goalkeeper Liam Roberts. The Crystal Palace versus Millwall FA Cup clash, ultimately won 3-1 by Crystal Palace, was marred by incidents both on and off the pitch.
FA Misconduct Charge
The FA formally announced the charge against Millwall, citing improper conduct related to fan behavior during the FA Cup fifth round fixture at Selhurst Park. The organization has given Millwall until April 16th to issue a response to the allegations.
An FA statement detailed the charges: “Millwall FC has been charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control following the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace FC on Saturday 1 March.”
The statement continued, outlining the specifics of the charge: “It’s alleged that during the 5th and 20th minutes the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting way with either express or implied reference to sexual orientation.”
Roberts Red Card and Mateta Injury
The incidents under scrutiny occurred around the time of a controversial moment in the match. In the sixth minute, Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. This incident preceded the alleged fan misconduct. Roberts received a six-match suspension for the challenge.
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Mateta was severely injured in the collision and required extensive on-field treatment, including oxygen administration, before being stretchered off the pitch. The delay in play lasted for approximately nine minutes. Millwall supporters reportedly directed chants of ‘let him die’ towards the stricken Frenchman, though the FA stated they were unable to investigate due to current regulations.
Homophobic Chants Targeted at Chilwell
Further exacerbating the situation, Crystal Palace defender Ben Chilwell, on loan from Chelsea, became the target of homophobic abuse during the game. Chants of ‘Chelsea rent boy’ were directed at the player, who was making his first full 90-minute appearance since joining Palace during the winter transfer window.
Previous reports indicated that the FA was already prepared to investigate the homophobic chants aimed at Chilwell.
Other Incidents of Disorder
Beyond the homophobic abuse and chants related to Mateta’s injury, other instances of disorder were noted during the heated FA Cup fixture. A Millwall supporter was reportedly observed attempting to confront an entire Crystal Palace stand, and a song referencing Mateta’s hospitalization was also allegedly heard.
Media Ban
In a related development, the Daily Mail has been prohibited from attending Millwall matches and press conferences. This ban is reportedly a consequence of the outlet’s coverage of the Mateta-Roberts incident, specifically following their request to interview Roberts.
Match Summary
On the field, despite being reduced to ten men early in the match, the game proceeded with Japhet Tanganga scoring an own goal in the 33rd minute to give Crystal Palace the lead. Daniel Munoz extended the advantage for the Eagles. Wes Harding managed to pull a goal back for Millwall in first-half stoppage time.
However, substitute Eddie Nketiah, who replaced the injured Mateta, sealed the victory for Crystal Palace late in the second half. Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace subsequently progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals, defeating Fulham 3-0. They are now scheduled to face Aston Villa in the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 26th.
Further updates to follow.