Pic: Sophie Robinson-Tillett

Six Millwall supporters face charges of public order offences following abuse of Bolton Wanderers’ Marvin Sordell.

The fans were arrested during Millwall’s 2-1 victory over Derby County on Saturday after unfurling a banner that showed an abusive statement about Sordell.

The player had complained on Twitter about experiencing racist abuse at The Den in October.

The banner, which said “Sordell is a c***”, was quickly removed by stewards and the supporters in question were arrested.

The Metropolitan Police released a statement at the weekend saying: “Six males were arrested during the game at Millwall in relation to a banner being unfurled at the game. They remain in custody at this time.”

Since then it has been confirmed that the supporters have been bailed and will be summoned to face public order offence charges in court next month.

Immediately after the game Millwall’s assistant manager Joe Gallen spoke to the press but refused to comment on the incident.

Millwall also declined to comment further, but may release a statement in the future.

The incident follows news that a thirteen-year-old boy had been banned from the club after abusing Sordell from the stands in October.

The teenager sent Sordell a written apology and will not face a lifetime ban, but the club have said that they will help him through education programmes run by the club “…in the hope that we can change his outlook on equality, racism and life.

“It is our hope that all of us within football, including governing bodies, clubs, players, fans and the media can continue to work together to build on the progress that has been made over many years in effectively tackling the issue of racism in our game.”

Talking in Lewisham two weeks ago, Lord Herman Ouseley spoke of the need for players to be able to address issues of discrimination, as well as having an organisation to support these concerns.

On the incident with the 13 year old he said: “Kick It Out’s greatest achievement is that players are expressing their grievances and those grievances are being accepted.”