Millwall manager Gary Rowett and his opposite number Wayne Rooney have spoken of their disappointment after fans were heard booing as players took a knee ahead of the game at The Den today.
A small section of supporters were heard on camera booing the players taking the knee ahead of Millwall's Championship clash against Derby County at The Den this afternoon.
Ever since the death of George Floyd earlier this year, footballers across the globe have been taking the knee prior to kick-off as part of the Black Lives Matter movement.
However, the actions of some supporters in south London this afternoon have prompted responses from the FA and Kick It Out, who have both released statements on what happened as a section of the returning fans at Millwall booed the players.
And the managers of the two sides involved in the game have now spoken about what happened at The Den, with Millwall's manager left disappointed by the actions of some fans after the Lions had released a statement prior to the game stating that they would be continuing to take a knee.
“The players have released a statement together. It’s a mixture – is it a political message, is it about anti-discrimination and equality? I think we all 100 per cent support that," Rowett said.
"The players have spoke about it and said they don’t support it as a political message. They support anti-discrimination and that’s why they’ve done it."
Derby interim manager Wayne Rooney also responded to the incident after the game, which the Rams won 1-0.
And he said he was surprised by the actions of some fans on their return to the football stadium after months away.
He said: “Obviously I heard it and I was very surprised.
“It’s a sad thing to happen. All I can say is everyone at Derby County Football Club has fully backed taking a knee. We’ll continue to do so.
“It’s a shame. There has been great progress in that campaign. To hear that is very disappointing and upsetting.
“I’m pleased with how my team dealt with that, because they put it to the back of their mind for the 90 minutes but it’s something that needs looking at and addressing.”
