Millwall hooligans ‘leapt out of toilet windows’ earlier than avenue battle with Leeds thugs
Leeds United and Millwall had two of the most feared firms in English football, and Frank Harper has revealed the lengths hooligans would go to in order to go toe-to-toe with their counterparts
Frank Harper has recounted a bone-chilling street brawl between Millwall and Leeds United hooligans on the streets of London.
The Den and Elland Road were no-go zones for rival fans during the 80s and 90s, dominated by some of the most feared football firms in the country. And whenever the two teams locked horns, mayhem often ensued.
Despite their geographical distance, the hatred between Millwall and Leeds supporters comes down to a simple fact that they dislike one another, even though they had only faced off 10 times before 2004 – with half of those encounters dating back to the 30s and 40s.
Chatting with Cass Pennant – the notorious ex-chief of West Ham’s Inter City Firm – and writer Martin King in the book Terrace Legends, die-hard Millwall supporter Harper explained just how nasty things could get when these rivals squared off. He recounted one particular clash that turned violent even before kick-off, explaining: “Leeds at home in the league.
“I was in a pub and suddenly it emptied. The ones that couldn’t get out the door were climbing out the toilet windows to get out on to the street.
“Thousands of Millwall came out of nowhere as bottles and glasses rained down on the Leeds lot. The Old Bill pulled a transit van across the pub doorway to try to stem the flow of Millwall fans. That day Leeds were dead lucky to reach the ground.”
The intense rivalry between the two clubs has thankfully simmered down recently, thanks to police efforts to curb football hooliganism. It comes as Leeds, currently leading the EFL Championship, prepare to host Millwall in the FA Cup’s fourth round on Saturday.
An early 12.15pm kick-off is designed to prevent any potential fan disturbances. With an impressive record of 18 victories, nine draws and just three defeats in their current Championship campaign, Leeds are perched at the top of the table – two points ahead of Sheffield United in second place.
Manager Daniel Farke will be hoping that their strong form continues into the FA Cup when they clash with Millwall at Elland Road. Leeds managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Harrogate Town in the competition’s previous round and will aim to carry forward the momentum from their recent league performances.
On the other hand, Millwall, currently sitting in 13th place in the Championship, have nothing to lose as they strive for a spot in the fifth round. The Lions enter the FA Cup’s fourth round on a four-match unbeaten run.
They secured a convincing 3-0 win over Dagenham and Redbridge in the third round, and new manager Alex Neil will be looking to harness ‘the magic of the cup’ when they face their old rivals Leeds.
