Millwall FC fined £15,000 for homophobic chants directed at Ben Chilwell

Millwall FC has been fined £15,000 following homophobic chants aimed at Crystal Palace defender Ben Chilwell during their FA Cup clash in March. The Championship club admitted to the charges at an independent disciplinary hearing and will now operate under an extended anti-discrimination action plan until the end of the 2025–26 season.

According to the Football Association (FA), Millwall failed to prevent supporters from engaging in disorderly conduct and using offensive language with references to sexual orientation. The chants occurred during the fifth and 20th minutes of the match, which Palace won 3–1 at Selhurst Park.

Chilwell, on loan from Chelsea at the time, was involved in play during both incidents. Although a “sufficient” number of individuals participated in the chanting, none have been identified or sanctioned individually.

This marks Millwall’s second offence, following a similar incident in December 2023 that also resulted in an action plan. However, the FA acknowledged that the previous measures had been largely effective, with no further incidents reported at home or away matches - except for the Crystal Palace fixture.

In a statement, Millwall reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination and pledged to continue proactive efforts to combat abuse.