Wayne Rooney blasts behaviour of Millwall fans who BOOED their own players for taking a knee

Wayne Rooney has slammed the Millwall supporters who booed both their own side and Derby County for taking a knee in support of Black Lives Matters before their Championship tie.

On Saturday, the Lions supporters returned to the Den for the first time in nine months but several fans did not approve of the pre-match message that players have consistently been doing in behind closed doors matches.

Derby manager Rooney revealed via social media that his side expected the booing before the match but was still stunned by the vocal critcism of the Black Lives

Rooney claimed: 'Yesterday I witnessed disgraceful and mindless behaviour by a large section of the Millwall supporters in the stadium.

'Prior to the match we were aware of the possibility of a planned disruptive response during the taking of the knee in support of the BLM campaign, but nothing prepared us for what we heard.

'I was proud of my players and staff for not letting the fans deter them from continuing to present a positive and important message that taking the knee immediately before a game sends. The professionalism of the players on both sides throughout the game was a credit to our profession, after such an incident.

'On behalf of Derby County Football Club I want it to be clear to everyone associated with the club that we represent all sectors of our community regardless of colour, gender or sexuality.

'Fans being allowed back in to stadiums is vital for the wellbeing of everybody involved in our sport from fans to players to chairmen and owners. It is therefore really important that the vast majority of us show respect and support of each other and do not tolerate or accept the actions of the mindless few.'

Millwall released a statement on Sunday condemning the supporters who opted to boo the gesture, claiming they were 'saddened' by the incident on Saturday.

The statement read: 'Millwall Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday's game against Derby County at The Den.

'The club has worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare for the return of supporters and what should have been a positive and exciting occasion was completely overshadowed, much to the immense disappointment and upset of those who have contributed to those efforts.

'The impact of such incidents is felt not just by the players and management, but by those who work throughout the club and in its Academy and Community Trust, where so many staff and volunteers continue passionate endeavours to enhance Millwall's reputation day after day, year after year. The club will not allow their fine work to be in vain.'

The Championship club also confirmed that the club staff will meet with Kick It Out and other representative bodies to make short-term and long-term changes.

Derby ran out 1-0 winners at the Den which was Rooney's first win as interim manager of the Rams.

Jason Knight struck in the second-half to give Derby just their second win of the season, while Millwall are currently on a run of eight games without a win.