‘Millwall intend to fight’ – club take strong stance amid ‘horrendous’ reaction to Crystal Palace flashpoint

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Millwall have had an up and down season this term, having been shocked by Neil Harris’ departure and replacing the club legend with Alex Neil.

The Lions had knocked Leeds United out of the FA Cup and set up a South London derby against Crystal Palace, which ended 3-1 at Selhurst Park, meaning their attentions turned back to the league campaign.

Millwall have flirted with the play-offs for much of the season so far but a damaging defeat to Bristol City, the dark horses of the Championship, saw them lose 2-0 at The Den.

That saw Liam Manning’s side move level on points with sixth-placed West Brom, but it has left Millwall adrift of the play-off places and could leave their season to fizzle out in the final 11 games.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
9	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	35	14	8	13	55	46	9	50
10	WatfordWatford	35	14	7	14	45	48	-3	49
11	NorwichNorwich	35	12	12	11	56	48	8	48
12	MillwallMillwall	35	11	12	12	34	36	-2	45
13	Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday	35	12	9	14	47	56	-9	45
14	QPRQPR	35	11	11	13	41	45	-4	44
15	PrestonPreston	35	9	16	10	36	41	-5	43

However, things seem to be heating up off the pitch amid the reaction to Liam Roberts’ sending off in that FA Cup tie.

• READ MORE: Who will win the Championship Golden Boot race?

Millwall take strong Liam Roberts stance after Crystal Palace red card

Prior to Bristol City’s first goal last night, Millwall fans broke out in applause for Roberts around the ground to show their support for the goalkeeper after the incident between him and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Roberts was sent off in the eighth minute of that game after a collision with the Crystal Palace striker. He was initially shown a yellow card for the challenge but VAR intervened and Michael Oliver changed the decision.

Millwall and the club’s supporters have been unhappy with the way their goalkeeper has been treated by other fans around England and also in the media since the defeat, and wanted to give Roberts their backing during their next Championship fixture.

Roberts picked up a three-match suspension for the red card, but the talk of his suspension being extended upon review by the FA as it has been deemed “insufficient” punishment, which Millwall state that they are strongly opposed to after “horrendous” backlash online for Roberts.

Millwall have stated that they intend to fight the decision from the FA to increase the ban and will continue to support Roberts in the meantime.

• READ MORE: How much money Preston North End have earned from sensational FA Cup run and what they’ll make if they beat Aston Villa

Millwall and Alex Neil’s season needs a spark

Millwall fans are renowned for their ability to get under the skin of supporters and they tend to relish the battle both on and off the pitch. Could this be what sparks their season into life?

There’s still time for them to have a run at the play-offs, and the incident surrounding Roberts could have a galvanising impact on the side and players.

Neil has done reasonably well since his appointment, but their campaign is now starting to peter out. Upcoming fixtures will tell us more about the mentality and togetherness of the side after a difficult week for the club.

Defeat to the Robins following the Roberts incident on Saturday could give the club their ‘us against the world’ mindset back. And that is a very valuable commodity indeed.