By Daily Sports on January 9, 2022

PATRICK VIEIRA condemned the homophobic chanting directed at Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher by Millwall supporters in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win at the Den.

Midfielder Gallagher – on loan from Stamford Bridge – was called a “Chelsea rent boy” in songs on several occasions by the home crowd.

Bottles were also thrown at Palace players, with one striking goal-scorer Michael Olise, and the away end also lobbed a flare on the pitch.

While a large proportion of home fans also booed Palace players taking the knee before kick-off.

Eagles chief Vieira, who saw his side come back to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Olise and Jean-Phillipe Mateta, said: “We, as a football club, are against any kind of discrimination.

“This is not something that we want to see on the field.

“Taking the knee, that’s something we’re really proud to take.

“Every football club and player is making their decision. What is important is that we, as a football club, are against any kind of discrimination.”

Lions boss Gary Rowett added: “I don’t think either of the clubs want to see any of those moments off the pitch. But I’m sure both clubs will deal with those situations effectively.”

The taunt aimed towards Gallagher was the same as the one he was subjected to by Leeds supporters in Palace’s in 1-0 defeat at Elland Road in November.

The vociferous booing of the taking the knee from the home supporters came despite their own players wearing T-shirts calling for the equality in the warm-up.

A club-endorsed sign on the big screen also warned fan that “Booing the taking of the knee is negatively affecting players, staff and your fellow supporters. THINK TWICE”.

Taking the knee is a symbolic gesture against racism that is widely used within football.

The Palace fans set off a number of firecrackers through the game and threw a red flare onto the pitch when Mateta nodded in Olise’s cross on the hour.

Seven minutes later, Olise – who earlier in the second half had chalked off Benik Afobe’s opener with a fine finish moments – was struck by a bottle from the crowd but was unharmed.

Meanwhile, pictures emerged on Friday night showing Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium and training ground were daubed in Millwall hooligan fan-themed graffiti, ahead of the two South London sides’ first meeting in nine years.

Brodcasters ITV were quick to apologise for the foul language and abusive chanting.

Commentator Tyldesley first said: "We'd like to apologise if our effects microphone picked up some obscene language there a moment or two ago."

He later said: "Again, we must apologise for any foul language that has been picked up."

A third apology was issued in the second half.

Homophobic chanting has marred several top-flight matches this season.

Just this week, a small section of Tottenham fans sang a homophobic song during their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Chelsea.

Spurs condemned the chants in a stern statement, saying: "The club is extremely disappointed by homophobic chanting from sections of our support at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

"We work closely with our LGBTQ+ fan group Proud Lilywhites to create a welcoming and inclusive environment at our Club and are proud to display the Progress Flag in our stadium on matchday.

"No one should suffer discrimination because of their sexual orientation and/or their gender identity, and we urge supporters not to use this chant. (The UK Sun)

 •PHOTO: Gallagher

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 9, 2022

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