Millwall deny racial abuse of Leeds United's El-Hadji Diouf

Millwall 1 Leeds United 0

Graham Moody
Monday 19 November 2012 11:00 GMT
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El-Hadji Diouf speaks to Leeds manager Neil Warnock yesterday
El-Hadji Diouf speaks to Leeds manager Neil Warnock yesterday

Millwall were last night forced to deny allegations of racist abuse towards Leeds United's El-Hadji Diouf during their 1-0 win.

Sky Sports viewers took to Twitter to claim they had heard monkey chants directed toward the striker but the south London club confirmed Diouf was making no such allegations. "El Hadji-Diouf has spoken to representatives of Millwall and confirmed that he did not receive any racial abuse and had no complaint to make," a statement from Millwall read. "Millwall are considering potential further courses of action following this damaging accusation."

Millwall could at least celebrate a win but Neil Warnock's frustrations at Leeds United continue to mount. Defeat yesterday made it three losses in a row and seven matches without a win while the protracted takeover of the club continues to drag on.

Add to that his frustrations of seeing another player sent off – this time Luke Varney two minutes into the second half for elbowing Adam Smith in the face – and the 63-year-old has plenty to keep him up at night, not least referee Mark Halsey after his decision to brandish the red card.

"He made up his mind very quickly," said Warnock. "The lad hasn't deliberately gone back with his elbow. He catches him on the chin and the lad goes down as if he has poleaxed him on the head. I suppose players have to do that to get players sent off but you would expect an experienced referee not to fall for that."

Millwall, by comparison, are flying high. Chris Wood's goal six minutes from time broke Leeds' stubborn resistance as they recorded their 10th game without defeat – the second best run in the league behind only leaders Crystal Palace.

The club also received a boost with the news that Wood, whose loan from West Bromwich Albion was due to end yesterday, will stay on until 1 January. Kenny Jackett's side looked the more likely to score throughout in what was in truth a poor performance from both sides.

"Any win in the Championship is very hard earned," said Jackett. "Millwall-Leeds games are very passionate games and this was no different but we are pleased to come out the top side against a club as big as Leeds.

"It's an achievement to go 10 games unbeaten and that shows there is character in the dressing room.

"How long can we go? Well we have two tough away trips to Blackburn and Wolves. They are great games and ones we look forward to and can't come quick enough."

Millwall (4-4-2): Forde; A Smith, Shittu, Beevers, Lowry; Feeney (Henry, 59), Wright, Trotter, C Taylor (N'Guessan, 82); Keogh, Wood.

Substitutes not used: M Taylor, Racon, J Smith, Osborne, Malone.

Leeds United (4-4-2): Kenny; Byram, Lees, Peltier, Drury, Hall (McCormack, 65) Green, Tonge, Varney; Becchio, Diouf.

Substitutes not used: Ashdown, Kisnorbo, White, Pugh, Norris, Gray.

Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire).

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