Police have promised to track down every troublemaker involved in the violence that marred Millwall’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
The pledge came after claims that some fans were openly taking cocaine. Fourteen people were arrested at Saturday’s match with Wigan for offences including racially aggravated assault and affray. Three were arrested for possession of Class A drugs.
Millions of TV viewers watched in horror during the worst outbreak of hooliganism — which included Millwall supporters attacking each other and police — at Wembley since it reopened six years ago. Children were said to be distraught as the violence flared. It was also claimed that some fans were “blatantly” snorting cocaine. Supporters said they saw groups of men taking the drug on the Wembley concourses before the game and again at half-time.
One fan said: “There was no attempt to cover up what they were doing. They were openly snorting cocaine like other lads were downing lager.”
Another Millwall supporter said on an official forum: “To see grown men passing spliffs, charlie [cocaine] and God knows what else around openly in front of their own young kids was bad.”
Scotland Yard said it was undertaking a “significant post-match review” and efforts were under way to track down all those involved in the violence.
One Millwall fan seen clutching a policeman’s hat during clashes insisted “it was just a drunken thing”.
TV footage of Tony Shannon showing off the peaked cap was beamed worldwide in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat by Wigan. The 27-year-old from Hither Green said: “It was so bloody silly but it was just a drunken thing. I wasn’t fighting. I didn’t hit anybody for the hat or anything. I didn’t literally take it from a policeman — it was just on the floor.”
Four police suffered minor injuries during the trouble.
Last night officials at Millwall said they were “devastated” by the violence.
