Kick It Out defends Lord Ouseley comments on Millwall alleged racist chanting
Friday 22 February 2019 10:51, UK
Football's anti-discrimination campaign Kick It Out have defended chairman Lord Herman Ouseley after claims by a newspaper that he helped Millwall escape punishment for alleged racist chanting on two occasions.
Lord Ouseley, who will stand down from his role with Kick It Out at the end of the season, was called as a witness for the club in 2004 and 2009.
A report in the Daily Mail on Thursday claimed Ouseley, a Millwall fan, had played an important role in the club avoiding punishment from the FA after proving they had taken measures to try to prevent racism within their ground.
A spokesperson for Kick It Out told Sky Sports News: "Lord Ouseley did give evidence in 2004 and 2009 regarding Millwall's community work and if asked to do it again he would.
"He didn't play down any racism - he said Millwall were active in their community. He wasn't there to defend the actions of anyone in the crowd but to comment on their community work."
On Thursday, the FA charged Millwall after some fans allegedly chanted racist language during their FA Cup tie against Everton last month.
According to Sky sources, the club have closed a section of their Dockers Stand to try and avoid a repeat of the alleged racist chanting that marred their 3-2 win at the Den on January 26.
Video footage emerged after the game appearing to show a group of supporters taunting Everton fans with a song featuring racist language about people of South Asian descent.