Shittu condemns Den racism

Shittu condemns Den racism

Published Feb. 12, 2013 1:15 p.m. ET

Millwall captain Danny Shittu says he is "deeply saddened" by the evidence of racism from home fans at the Den.

Several incidents of vile chanting from fans at the home of the Lions were recorded and shown as part of a Special Report by Sky Sports News on Monday.

The broadcast focused largely on incidents at the London club, where Leeds striker El-Hadji Diouf was subjected to 56 separate incidents of racist abuse by five white men.

"I am deeply saddened by the documentary on Sky Sports showing racism by the minority at matches including at Millwall FC," said Shittu in a statement on the Millwall official website.

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"As the current Millwall captain, racism is something I do not stand for or condone. I am currently in talks with the club about any further measures we can take in dealing with and eradicating racism at matches.

"I do not want the events shown yesterday to tarnish the hard work done by the club thus far and their efforts in tackling this issue.

"Every player at all levels has the right to represent their club without being subjected to homophobic or racial taunts. I will do all I can to help eradicate racism at my club and in football."

Meanwhile, the Football Association has contacted Leeds to ask for Diouf's version of events as part of an investigation into the footage.

Millwall have also reopened an investigation into the incident, saying they are "appalled" by footage shown on Sky Sports News.

The film appeared to show the Senegal international alerting the referee, Mark Halsey, and making stewards aware of his allegations but Millwall insisted no complaint of racist abuse was made by the player at the time.

The FA is now investigating the footage - and not just the incident with Diouf. It is understood Leeds have provided the governing body with the Senegal striker's version of what happened.

An FA statement said: "We were concerned by the video footage and we have requested a copy for our full consideration.

"We will work with all the relevant authorities including the police to investigate fully."

The FA also urged anyone "subject to or witness to racial abuse" to report it.

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