Millwall slapped with fine and put on ‘extended action plan' after homophobic chants towards Ben Chilwell
MILLWALL have been fined £15,000 by the FA after their fans made homophobic chants towards Chelsea star Ben Chilwell.
Lions supporters were heard shouting a homophobic slur during their FA Cup clash at Selhurst Park in March while the left-back was on loan at
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Chilwell was at the receiving end of homophobic chants from Millwall fans
Credit: Getty
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Millwall fans were slammed by the FA for their behaviour
Credit: Getty
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A section of Millwall fans during the game
Credit: Rex
FA big-wigs have also put the Championship club on an 'extended action plan' which requires them to do more work to eradicate all forms of discrimination.
The chants were directed at Chilwell in the fifth and 20th minutes of a fiery fifth-round tie that Palace ran out 3-1 winners.
Matata needed 10 minutes of treatment before being taken to hospital with a nasty gash on his head that required 25 stitches.
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While the South London club were condemned by the FA for their fans' behaviour at Selhurst Park, they did praise and accept their efforts in tackling discrimination.
In a written statement the FA said the Lions 'exceed the requirements' set out for clubs to be anti-discriminatory and said they should be encouraged to continue this work.
The FA's extended action plan for Millwall covers communication ahead of games about their stance on anti-discrimination, sending their own stewards to high-risk games and ensuring they have an equality, diversity and inclusion committee.
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They also want the Lions to put together an article each month to summarise their community and EDI work.
A Lions spokesman said: 'Millwall FC condemns all forms of discrimination and acknowledges the FA's decision.
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'The club will continue to do all it can to tackle discriminatory abuse through its equality steering committee and dedicated anti-discrimination campaign All 'Wall.
'The term 'Chelsea rent boy' is officially recognised as a homophobic slur and is condemned by the club.
'Since January 2022 the chant has been classified as a prosecutable offence by the Crown Prosecution Service for anyone found using it. Anyone identified in doing so will be banned.
'The club reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discrimination. Such behaviour has no place in society and is entirely at odds with the values Millwall stands for.
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