Millwall have apologised to their supporters club, fan advisory board and Millwall Lionesses after the scheduling of a London City Lionesses game at The Den on Saturday, 21 March (12:00 GMT)
The fixture between London City and Chelsea has been brought forward from the Sunday because of the latter’s participation in the Champions League quarter-finals later that week.
And with Bromley, where London City usually play, also at home that day, the fixture has been moved to The Den under the Women’s Super League’s requirement that all clubs have a secondary stadium option for use as needed.
However, given London City were created after splitting from Millwall Lionesses in 2019, the club have recognised this arrangement has not been unanimously welcomed.
Last week, Millwall supporters club reacted to the news with a statement on social media, external, accusing London City of “stealing” Millwall Lionesses’ position in the women’s game and rejecting the deal, adding: “Some things are more important and worth more than money!”
With the game now confirmed, Millwall Football Club issued a statement, external of their own, acknowledging “more thorough consultation should have taken place” and saying they “sincerely apologise for the upset this caused”.
They go on to say they are “fully aware” of the history between Millwall Lionesses and London City and understand “the strength of feeling”.
While the game will take place as scheduled at The Den, Millwall say they currently have “no plans for further collaboration” with London City and pledge that all the revenue generated by the club from this fixture will be reinvested back into Millwall Lionesses.
They also make renewed commitments to their women’s team, guaranteeing the fifth-tier side one game a season at The Den, enhancing marketing services and establishing a working group between the club, Millwall Lionesses and Millwall Community Trust.
Millwall’s supporters club has welcomed the update, external, accepting the club’s “acknowledgement that they were wrong not to have put [Millwall Lionesses] centre stage in their thoughts from the start”.
They add: “From this, however, came an opportunity and we will work with our Lionesses and the club to ensure that the full potential of it is met.”
