“It is important we do not tolerate the actions of a mindless few”
Derby manager Wayne Rooney has posted a statement following toxic scenes occurred before his team’s 1-0 win over Millwall at The Den on Saturday.
As players took the knee in a show of anti-racist solidarity, Millwall fans were heard booing the gesture. Millwall Football Club – 19 hours after the incident occurred – issued this statement.
And Rooney has now issued some further comments on the incident.
“Yesterday I witnessed disgraceful and mindless behaviour by a large section of Millwall supporters in the stadium,” Rooney wrote.
“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.
Further comments from yesterday’s game…. pic.twitter.com/7T25MmMDwI
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) December 6, 2020
“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 into stadiums is vital for the wellbeing of everybody involved in our sport from fans to players to chairmen to 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 a mindless few.”
Rooney’s comments are in stark contrast to those of Millwall boss Gary Rowett, who told reporters after the game his players would no longer take the knee before a game.
Rowett said his Millwall players would no longer take the knee.
“Moving forward, like a lot of clubs have done, they’d prefer not to take the knee and enact change – do something positively about it. They feel that gesture has been empty and not doing something about it.”
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 5, 2020
