‘I performed for Millwall however a fan pulled a knife on me – I nonetheless went consuming with them’

A former Millwall star was held at knifepoint by a supporter following his controversial move to the club from rivals Chelsea.

John Sitton played for Millwall in 1980 and 1981 after leaving Chelsea having fallen out of favour with manager Geoff Hurst. The then-20-year-old joined the Lions in the Third Division and looked to build his career having left the top flight. However, Millwall were one of the most notorious clubs due to fan violence.

And Londoner Sitton learned the hard way early on just how deep the hatred some Millwall fans held towards those who played for their city rivals. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, Sitton recalled the incident that turned out to be just a blotch on relations with one furious fan.

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He said: “I got a bit of stick from one guy. We were in Barry Kitchener’s as he converted the upstairs. We’d just beaten Brentford 3-1 at home and I’ve settled in really quickly, really well, great, great set of lads.

“I scored in one of my first home games, got well received by the supporters for my combative style and also coupled with the ability and consistency, because I was probably one of the most consistent players I ever came across.

“We were up there, one night after a Brentford game, I was only 20 at the time, and then someone said: ‘We don’t want you here. We think you’re a f***** King’s Road p****.

“And he pulled a knife on me. There was a bit of a fracas and a lot of people dived in and we got separated and then it was unbelievable. The phone rings at 8.15 in the morning, it’s the same guy apologising: ‘I’m sorry, you’re one of us now’.

Sitton never let the incident get to him and even struck up a good relationship with various Millwall supporters who were only too happy to help out and enjoy the company of one of their star players.

“It was eight of the happiest months of my life. I got so close with various Millwall supporters, there were times when I used to stay round their house as a guest,” Sitton continued.

“I was invited out by a particular supporters group after scoring at home to Oxford. Nicky Chatterton delivered a free kick and I got across my opposite number and buried in the top corner. They said ‘You’re out with us tonight,’ it was one of the infamous supporter groups – not ones you’re going to refuse.

“There were occasions with a particular group and they used to say, ‘what you doing tonight?’ And I said, ‘well, me and my wife are going to have a nice meal after we go have a few drinks at Barry’s pub.

“They said: ‘No, no, don’t go back north of the river’ and then they used to send her a car to pick her up, bring her over, and then all the all the wives and girlfriends with players and supporters used to mix in.

“I always say, if you can’t play for Millwall supporters, you shouldn’t be in football.”

In October 2016, Sitton released his autobiography ‘A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing – A Life In Football’ – it offers more insight behind the scenes of how football clubs operate as well as his interesting career. The book is still available to buy on Amazon.

Sitton also hosts the ‘John Sitton Podcast: Football Uncensored’ featuring Rob Kirton on YouTube.