Leeds and Millwall release statements condemning the ‘vile chants’ which were heard during the FA Cup Fourth Round tie on Saturday.
Leeds United expressed their disappointment regarding chants from the away section that referenced football tragedies.
They specifically mentioned the impact such chants have on the families of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, Leeds supporters who were killed in Istanbul in 2000 ahead of the game with Turkish club Galatasaray.
The club committed to working with the police and Millwall to identify those involved and to continue efforts with football authorities to eradicate these chants from the game.
Millwall responded similarly, denouncing the chants by their supporters as “entirely unacceptable” and pledged to collaborate with Leeds United and the relevant authorities to identify those responsible. They emphasised that representing the club proudly and responsibly is a duty for all associated with Millwall.
Farke asks for football community to combat tragedy chanting.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke reacts to vile chants from Millwall fans during the club’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Elland Road.#LUFC | #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/Xau9YXMD6y
— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) February 8, 2025
During today’s FA Cup fourth round tie, we were extremely disappointed to hear vile chants relating to football tragedies. We will work with the police and Millwall Football Club to identify those involved
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 8, 2025
MILLWALL STATEMENT:
We all have a duty to ensure Millwall Football Club is represented proudly and responsibly at all times.
The club strongly condemns all forms of football tragedy abuse and is appalled to receive reports of such chanting from a minority at today’s Emirates FA Cup fixture against Leeds United.
Both clubs have suffered tragic losses to their respective families in recent history. Chanting about this is entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club or the governing bodies.
It has no place in football and the club will work closely with Leeds United and authorities to identify those responsible.
LEEDS STATEMENT:
During today’s FA Cup fourth round tie with Millwall, we were extremely disappointed to hear vile chants relating to football tragedies from the away section at Elland Road.
We know the impact this has on the families of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, along with the whole fan base of Leeds United.
We will work with the police and Millwall Football Club to identify those involved, whilst we will also continue our efforts with the football authorities to help eradicate these chants from the game.
When asked about the chanting, Farke said: “During the game, I was so focused that I didn’t hear [the chants].
“But in general, you know my attitude and there’s nothing more stupid than the old quote ‘football is not about life or death, it’s much more serious’.
“I think it’s a stupid quote and has nothing to do with the values of the whole football world.
“The health of human beings is always much more important than just a football game.
“I think the whole football community stands for this and always wants to back these values.
“When something really sad happens with a tragedy, normally the whole football world stands together.
“This is the value that we live as a club, and I live, and everyone I think in the football world should live.
“If someone didn’t reach those standards today – and again, I haven’t heard it – it’s important to look into this situation.”
On the statement Leeds had issued, Millwall boss Alex Neil said: “I wasn’t aware – if I’m being honest you’re engrossed in the game.
“But if any of that went on, then I’m sure we as a club certainly wouldn’t condone that at any football ground.
“I’d imagine the club will make a statement based on that.”
Millwall advanced through into the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2019 as a double from Femi Azeez and a stunning Liam Roberts penalty save ensured victory over a second-string Leeds United at Elland Road.
It was a fourth consecutive win in all competitions for the Lions, who also inflict a first defeat on Leeds in 15 games.
Twitter users reacted as Leeds and Millwall release statements condemning ‘vile chants’ during the FA Cup Fourth Round tie…
@SamuelJ72317235: @LUFC banter is cool, absolutely no excuse for tragedy chanting.
@Harvey9252: Just don’t give them any tickets to the game next month, it’s every time
@JontySolomons: Just don’t let their fans attend in future. Let the authorities complain all they like.
@lagboat333: Remember when football used to be a laugh? Everyone said silly shit about each other. Only the drips would get upset about it. Anyone with anything about them would just laugh it off. The world went on..
@DanLUFC_: Disappointing but entirely expected from those set of freaks.
@DavidFr83834521: Leeds United issue statement in response to ‘vile chants’ during Millwall FA Cup tie: What can you expect from Millwall supporters? The best way to deal with it is to ban Millwall supporters from all away games and make them play home games behind closed gates. Hit the club HARD!
@scott2k6: When will @FA and @EFL do something about this atrocious behaviour from @MillwallFC fans. This happens week in and week out and nothing gets done about it. It seems they can chant about what they want and it’s fine.
@Brownie89: Don’t wana hear any nonsense about “small minority” either. Several chants loud and clear…
@catbm74: Just ban the vile scummy fans from coming to ER ever again!
@tedwilman: You need to rephrase‘ minority’. I’ll look forward to the 500+ arrests
@davenelson1979: Fucking vile club boils my piss that they get away with this year after year 🤬🤬🤬🤬
@Lucaslufc4life8: Chanting about Chris and kev absolute vile #LUFC
Leeds showing their class 👏🏼 https://t.co/zEuwgBaIB1 pic.twitter.com/Jk8mhgs7hW
— 👉🏻 (@HonestMillwall) February 8, 2025
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