Lions tamed at Pride Park in FA Cup

Millwall prepare for penalties.  Photo: Brian Tonks

Millwall prepare for penalties. Photo: Brian Tonks

Millwall crashed out of the FA Cup on Tuesday night after losing to Derby County on penalties in their third round replay at Pride Park.

The Lions were beaten 5-3 in the shootout, with Danny Schofield’s miss the decisive moment of the match. Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater parried the effort at full stretch. It was a cruel blow for Kenny Jackett’s men, who had taken the lead with less than ten minutes to play in extra time.

Steve Morison saw his header from a corner tipped onto the post by Bywater, but the keeper could not prevent the striker converting the follow-up to give the South Londoners the lead. However, Derby hit back moments later as Steve Davies cut in from the right and coolly lofted the ball over Millwall keeper David Forde to send the game into penalties.

FA charges verdict

Off the pitch there was good news for Millwall. The club was found not guilty of charges relating to crowd violence that took place during a Carling Cup tie against West Ham in August 2009.

An Independent Regulatory Commission cleared Millwall of failing to ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour.  West Ham was found to be in breach of FA rules for the same offences, as well as for failing to ensure their supporters did not enter the field of play.

“Millwall FC welcomes the verdict in respect of our club as we have always maintained that we were innocent of the charges,” said Millwall CEO Andy Ambler.

“As ever this club condemns all misbehaviour within football stadia and works tirelessly to eradicate misconduct and to continue to change an unfair and distorted misconception of Millwall Football Club and its fans”.

An FA statement said that they will “await the full written reasons from the independent commission before making any further comment”.

The commission will reconvene Friday to consider the matter of sanctions.

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