Millwall face FA probe after assistant ref struck by object during win over QPR

26 December 2023 , 17:21

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Millwall beat QPR 2-0 at The Den on Boxing Day (Image: Getty Images)

Millwall face the prospect of an FA probe after assistant referee Matthew Wilkes appeared to be hit by an object thrown by home fans.

Tom Bradshaw and Murray Wallace struck in stoppage time in either half to give the Lions a first win in eight on Boxing Day, and a first home victory for more than three months. The victory eased relegation fears, with Millwall now six points clear of the drop zone.

But the boost of three points was marred by an incident in the 57th minute - with allegations also that Millwall keeper Matija Sarkic was a target for away supporters. After giving an offside decision against Millwall, Wilkes was soon visibly holding his head, speaking to referee Thomas Bramall and then receiving a medical check before security staff were deployed.

And it took some of the gloss off a hugely important win for the home side - taking advantage of a dreadful performance from QPR, who remain in the bottom three. Millwall boss Joe Edwards said: “I was well aware there was an incident.

"I haven’t seen anything back and don’t have details so can’t comment but too much. But if an official has been struck by something from the crowd, that is something, behaviour we absolutely don’t condone. I don’t want to see that.

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“I know there was maybe an incident with Matty Sarkic in the game as well, having stuff thrown at him. So they are issues the club is going to have to look into.

"There is relief after the run we have been on. The team really dug in today, there was tension around the game but we showed spirit. We need to keep building on this. It was a classic Tom Bradshaw goal - one that he started and finished - and we hope for more of those. There have been no discussions [about his future and contract - up in the summer]."

Millwall's win moves them six points clear of the relegation zone (Getty Images)

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The Lions took the lead in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, when George Saville’s cross-shot was poked in by Bradshaw for just a third goal of the season for the striker. Asmir Begovic prevented Aidomo Emakhu from doubling Millwall’s lead after the break. But then came the incident involving assistant referee Wilkes in front of the main stand.

Sub Wallace had the final say, scoring at the far post from Honeyman’s corner. QPR manager Marti Cifuentes said: "You ask what went wrong... what went well? It was a poor performance, perhaps the worst since I have been here."

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