Millwall charged over fan abuse aimed at James McClean

Millwall have been hit with Football Association charges related to three alleged instances of religiously offensive abuse aimed at Republic of Ireland international James McClean during their Sky Bet Championship game against Wigan.

The 2-1 win for the Latics was marred by chanting from the away end at the DW Stadium and now the FA has acted.

"Millwall FC has been charged with three breaches of misconduct in relation to crowd control for incidents that took place during its EFL Championship game against Wigan Athletic FC on Saturday 22 April 2023," a statement read.

"It's alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters - and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers - conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at the game, and do not use words or behave in a way which is improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting, with either express or implied reference to religion, in the 8th, 12th and 45th minutes.

"Millwall FC has until Friday 30 June 2023 to provide its responses."

In noting the charge, Millwall said in their own statement that: "The club strongly condemns discrimination of all kinds and has a zero-tolerance policy against such abuse."

McClean won his 100th Ireland cap against Gibraltar last Monday.

Last October, McClean accused English football authorities of turning a blind eye to what he said at the time was "eight years of sickening abuse" over his nationality.

A week before the Millwall game, he was targeted by supporters of Blackpool, who were subsequently charged by the FA for the incidents.