Wayne Rooney has hit out at the "disgraceful and mindless" behaviour of Millwall fans who booed as players took the knee ahead of their game against Derby County.
A section of Millwall supporters - let back into the stadium for the first time since March yesterday - voiced their opposition to players taking a knee in support of racial equality ahead of kick-off.
On Sunday, the south London club released a statement condemning their behaviour and are set to meet Kick It Out - football's anti-discrimination body - in order to establish the next steps.
In a statement, Derby manager and England's all time top goalscorer, Rooney said: "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 well being of everybody involved in our sport for 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 mildness few."
