Millwall FC have been charged by the FA with three breaches of misconduct after their fans hurled sectarian abuse at Ireland international James McClean during a game between Wigan and Millwall in April.
McClean was subjected to religious abuse during the 2-1 win for Wigan in the Sky Bet Championship clash with video footage appearing to show a section of Millwall fans singing “F*** the Pope and the IRA.”
"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," reads an FA statement.
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"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."
Millwall have released a statement in response to the charges and stressed that they 'strongly condemn' discrimination and that they have a 'zero tolerance' policy for such abuse.
"Millwall Football Club notes The Football Association’s decision to charge the club with breaches of rule E21 following the Championship fixture away to Wigan Athletic on Saturday 22nd April 2023.
"The club strongly condemns discrimination of all kinds and has a zero-tolerance policy against such abuse.
"Through the work of its industry-leading Equality Steering Committee, the club takes a very proactive approach to combatting discrimination and continues to work tirelessly on a wide range of initiatives and measures to help continue driving positive change.
"The club is formulating a comprehensive response to the charges which will be issued to The FA in due course."
McClean, who won his 100th cap for Ireland against Gibraltar earlier this week, has previously criticised the FA for 'turning a blind eye' to the abuse that he has received in the past.
