Millwall thugs run riot during Malcolm Allison tribute at Crystal PalaceBy Mike Didymus and Harry Miller »
www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/crystalpalace/eaglesnews/8462557.Millwall_thugs_run_riot_during_Allison_tribute/Soccer hooligans ran amok during a memorial for a Crystal Palace legend in disgraceful scenes at the weekend.
Millwall thugs had to be held back by a police line when dozens of yobs attempted to storm home stands after tearing down safety barriers.
Leading Palace fans have called for a public apology from Millwall after the troublemakers ruined a minute’s applause for 83-year-old former manager Malcolm Allison.
The football legend, who died just 24 hours earlier, gained iconic status at the club after leading them to an FA Cup semi-final in 1976, coining their Eagles nickname and changing their colours to red and blue stripes.
Eight people were arrested before the match for offences including assault, carrying an offensive weapon and attacking a police officer.
One Millwall fan also threw a flare from the stands during the derby match, which ended in a 1-0 win for the visitors.
Former Croydon councillor Raj Chandarana, who sits on the board of the Crystal Palace supporters’ trust, described the scenes he witnessed on the day as “disgusting”.
He said: “There are two no man’s land areas on either side of the Millwall fans covered by anti-climb tarpaulins, and as soon as the minute’s applause started a whole bunch of them started wading in.
“They were booing and being very intimidating, and it looked at one point as if they were going to get on to the pitch. It was really offensive.
“This was supposed to mark the passing of a footballing institution, somebody who was colourful, lively and a real positive influence on the game.
“This was our chance to mark our respect for him and it was totally ruined.”
Stalwart Crystal Palace fan Councillor Steve O’Connell, who was also at the game, said: “I was sadly disappointed when many Millwall fans decided not to show their respect but chose to show their aggression.
“Malcolm Allison was one of my heroes and although a large majority of Millwall fans joined in the minutes applause, a significant minority prefer to have a fight.
“I am sadly not surprised by what happened.”
A Millwall FC spokesman said the vast majority of fans had joined the applause for Malcolm Allison, and confirmed the club had received no complaints from Crystal Palace or their fans.
He said: “If any individuals have genuine grievances surrounding the alleged behaviour of our fans on Saturday, they should direct them to the police and we will assist in any investigation that may ensue.”
A spokesman for Crystal Palace Football Club said: “We were happy with how the minute’s applause went for Malcolm Allison.”
www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/sport/football/crystalpalace/eaglesnews/8462557.Millwall_thugs_run_riot_during_Allison_tribute/
