‎Millwall sanctioned by Independent Panel Rules on FA Rule E21 breach

Millwall F.C. have been sanctioned by an independent Regulatory Commission after being found to have breached FA Rule E21 during their EFL Cup tie with Crystal Palace F.C. on September 16.

The club has been fined £45,000, issued with a warning and required to follow an action plan as part of the punishment.

According to details published by The Football Association, the charge alleged that around the 11th and/or 80th minute of the match Millwall failed to ensure that spectators or individuals claiming to support the club did not behave in an improper, offensive or abusive manner.

It was also claimed the club failed to prevent discriminatory conduct from supporters, including remarks that referenced disability, either directly or indirectly.

Millwall admitted the charge relating to the incident in the 11th minute but contested the allegation connected to the 80th minute. The commission ultimately imposed sanctions only for the breach linked to the earlier incident.

In its written submissions, the FA had urged the commission to consider either a partial or full stadium closure. The governing body argued that any lesser sanction would not sufficiently reflect the seriousness of the club’s repeated breaches of Rule E21 or act as a strong enough deterrent against discriminatory behaviour by supporters.

The commission acknowledged that this represented Millwall’s third breach of the rule. However, it decided against closing part or all of the stadium, citing mitigating factors including the club’s ongoing work to implement the original action plan and additional enhanced measures.

In a statement, Millwall confirmed it accepted the FA’s decision to impose the £45,000 fine along with an extension to the governing body’s action plan following the breach during the 2025 League Cup match against Crystal Palace.