Racism ‘isn’t just a Millwall issue’ says club Chief Exec

Millwall Chief Executive Steve Kavanagh believes that Millwall aren’t the only club suffering with an issue of racism.

There were ugly scenes at The Den on Saturday evening during their FA Cup tie, with supporters clashing with travelling Everton fans prior to the surprising 3-2 victory for the Championship side.

One Everton fan was the target of a knife attack during the altercation and was left needing stitches to repair the wound on the side of his face.

As well as the fighting, there were audible racist chants from Millwall supporters during the match, using a derogatory term against the Pakistani community throughout the song.

There are investigations underway from both the Football Association and Metropolitan Police to identify those behind the chants. Millwall have since released a statement saying any fan identified in the singing with receive a lifetime ban.

On the issue of racism, Chief Executive Kavanagh told the BBC: "This isn't just a Millwall thing, this happens across society. You try and tell me there hasn't been this sort of chant at another club this season in this country - I won't believe you."

He added: "If you think you can come to Millwall and chant racism, no you can't. This is a safe place to come.

"We're being damaged by 30-40 people. We haven't won this. No one has won. But this isn't just a Millwall problem.

"As Millwall Football Club, we can't be responsible for educating the whole of south east London."We need the authorities, the FA, Kick It Out, ourselves and other clubs, we need to all come together and find a way of actually using football's place in society to educate people.

"It has been swept under the carpet by football, I agree with that, but I can assure you it hasn't been swept under the carpet by Millwall."