Millwall 1-1 Queens Park Rangers: Lions & QPR draw after fans back anti-racism gesture
- Published
Millwall and QPR players displayed unity in the fight against racism before kick-off
Millwall supporters cheered and clapped as players from their side and QPR linked arms to hold an anti-racism banner before playing out a draw at The Den.
Four days after some Lions fans booed players taking a knee before the loss to Derby County, the clubs decided to show solidarity prior to kick-off, with QPR's players also taking a knee.
The pre-match focus, on what Millwall described as "one of the most important days in the club's history", was always going to overshadow a game between two struggling Championship sides.
Ilias Chair's glorious second-half strike, which he celebrated by taking a knee, provided welcome and memorable relief after a forgettable first half and set the visitors on their way to avoiding a fourth consecutive league defeat.
The Lions, who are now winless in nine matches, levelled when substitute Jon Dadi Bodvarsson scored with a deflected shot after a quick free-kick on the right.
Millwall looked the more likely to find a late winner, but neither were able to create any clear chances.
The hosts were quicker off the mark as a tense London derby started promisingly, Tottenham loanee Troy Parrott twice having shots well saved by keeper Seny Dieng, while Shaun Williams also sent a rasping strike just wide.
But QPR settled and were more fluent in their passing with Dominic Ball seeing a shot kept out by Lions keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.
Rangers remained the more threatening after the break and Chair's fabulous 20-yard effort - following a clever one-two with Tom Carroll - relaxed them further.
Lyndon Dykes missed a great chance to make it 2-0, shooting straight at Bialkowski after more great work by the impressive Chair.
The miss proved costly as Lions boss Gary Rowett brought on towering striker Bodvarsson and Matt Smith and the former slotted the equaliser via the unfortunate Osman Kakay from Jed Wallace's cross.
The most notable action then came after the final whistle when an emotional Lions defender Mahlon Romeo, who said Saturday's booing had "personally disrespected" and "offended" him, walked off holding aloft a shirt with the 'Kick It Out' logo on it and showed it to the crowd.
'It's been difficult for people at the club'
"It's been a difficult few days, but I thought we responded positively," Millwall boss Gary Rowett told BBC Radio London. "I thought he showed a little bit of fight to score the goal and react in a positive way."
On Mahlon Romeo leading the team out: "It was my idea. I felt that was an important message that he did that. I think he's shown some real intelligence and passion in recent days and has been part of a lot of the decisions we've made as a club.
"It was important we stood behind him and all of the players and it was important we tried to come out with some positivity in how we tackled it. I'm proud of the team.
"It's been difficult for people at the club who have had to deal with a lot of things and I've felt for them.
"It was horrendous and difficult for anyone associate with Millwall. Today, we've tried to stand up and move forward in a positive way."
QPR manager Mark Warburton told BBC Radio London:
"I thought it was a great reaction from everyone concerned. It showed two teams united against any form of discrimination.
"A lot of credit must go to Millwall and QPR as clubs, the two CEOs have been talking regularly and you saw the players stand shoulder-to-shoulder against that."
On his players taking a knee to celebrate the goal: "That was their own choice. These guys are men, not kids, who make their own decisions.
"I thought tonight you saw a really good reaction for what is such an important subject."