Wayne Rooney hits out at Millwall fans’ ‘disgraceful and mindless’ behaviour in booing BLM gesture

The stand-in Derby coach said he was aware beforehand that there could be a planned disruption

Derby County interim boss Wayne Rooney has released a statement criticising Millwall supporters who booed players taking a knee ahead of the match at home to the Rams on Saturday.

Rooney’s side won the game 1-0, but the post-match focus was very much on the home fans’ actions, with the FA and Kick It Out among those condemning the behaviour of those in the stands.

Millwall also released a statement to say they were “dismayed and saddened by events”, but Rooney has taken a somewhat stronger line on matters, while also praising the response of the players on the pitch.

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Posting to Twitter, he said:

"Yesterday I witnessed disgraceful and mindless behaviour by a large section of the Millwall supporters in the stadium.

"Prior to the match we were aware of the possibility of a planned disruptive response during the taking of the knee in support of the BLM campaign, but nothing prepared us for what we heard.

"I was proud of my players and staff for not letting the fans deter them from continuing to present a positive and important message that taking the knee immediately before a game sends. The professionalism of the players on both sides throughout the game was a credit to our profession, after such an incident.

"On behalf of Derby County Football Club I want it to be clear to everyone associated with the club that we represent all sectors of our community regardless of colour, gender or sexuality. Fans being allowed back in to stadiums is vital for the wellbeing of everybody involved in our sport from fans to players to chairmen and owners.

“It is therefore really important that the vast majority of us show respect and support of each other and do not tolerate or accept the actions of the mindless few.”

Wayne Rooney

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