Hull City-Millwall: "Mindless Hooliganism" Marred FA Cup Clash

Millwall supporters were once again up to their old tricks, when it was reported that two incidents of violence occurred on either side of the North Stand of the KC Stadium, both where the away supporters were seated.

Millwall travelled up north to take on Hull City in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and Hull’s 2-0 victory was marred by what was described as "mindless hooliganism."

In an incident just before kick-off, the stewards were quickly joined by police in riot gear in dealing with trouble that started in one corner of the North Stand, where the Millwall fans were closest to the home fans.

There was another incident in the second half, in the other corner of the North Stand, which also was packed with Millwall hooligans. In the end, 12 supporters were arrested all together.

After myself having been to Millwall for an away match with my beloved club Gillingham last season, I can safely say that football hooliganism, as far as Millwall are concerned, does exist and sadly doesn’t seem like going any time soon.

One incident I remember from that match last season was when I was sitting on the coach as we went through the streets of London on our way home after the game. I looked out the window and saw a man in a Gillingham shirt. My friend Vaughan asked me something, I answered, and then I turned round and looked out the window again, and this poor man had been started on by six Millwall fans.

I looked at this man in the Gillingham shirt and all he was doing was reading the Matchday programme as he walked presumably to the train station. I didn’t understand why the Millwall fans would attack him, but then I realised. His crime? Wearing a Gillingham shirt.

As the coach then drove on through the streets of East London, I saw another incident. There were no traffic lights to stop us so I couldn’t really analyse closely, but what I saw was loads of people, a few in Gillingham colours, and several in Millwall colours. They all seemed to be entwined, and I can only presume there was a fight, one which logically thinking Millwall fans would’ve started.

Hull City chairman Paul Duffen has definitely got things right when he said: "There is no place for this kind of mindless hooliganism in football. It is an ugly throwback to a bygone era which most clubs have long since eradicated from their culture.

"Hull City Football Club will be seeking full financial compensation from Millwall for all the damage and will be making the strongest representations to the football authorities regarding this incident."

An interesting statement on the Hull City’s official club website read: "Hull City AFC utterly condemns the violence and criminal damage caused by Millwall supporters at the Kingston Communications Stadium during yesterday's FA Cup fourth round tie."

"A full statement will be issued on conclusion of police and stadium investigations, but it is already clear that a significant contingent of the travelling Millwall supporters arrived at the match with the single intention of causing maximum disruption.

"Over 50 seats were destroyed together with toilet facilities and concession shutters, all in the North Stand occupied by visiting supporters."

Let’s hope for football’s sake that Millwall Football Club gets what it deserves, and will rightfully be punished for its once again stupid actions.

quotes and picture: www.skysports.com