Millwall narrowly missed out on automatic promotion despite a 2-0 victory over Oxford United, as Ipswich Town's 3-0 win against QPR condemned the Lions to a Championship play-off spot. Manager Alex Neil had pleaded with supporters not to invade the pitch after the final home game, but a handful of fans ignored his warning, drawing boos from the majority who stayed in their seats.
Pitch Invasion Delays Celebrations
While most of the 18,000-strong crowd heeded Neil's request, a small group ran onto the turf at The Den, prompting jeers from other fans. Neil was seen gesturing for them to leave, and a tannoy announcement urged supporters off the pitch. The invasion briefly delayed the end-of-season presentation ceremony.
Neil's Pre-Match Appeal
Speaking before the game, Neil said: "I think it's something that has been traditional here that fans run on the pitch in the last home game. But we have massive games coming up in the play-offs. We need the pitch to be in as good a nick as possible. Please don't run on the pitch because it doesn't help." He added that the team would celebrate with fans after the match, regardless of the final league position.
The Lions finished third in the Championship, just one point behind second-placed Ipswich, and will now face Hull City in a two-legged play-off semi-final. Neil's side have enjoyed an incredible campaign, but the narrow miss for automatic promotion has left a bittersweet feeling among supporters.
Despite the minor incident, the club remains focused on the upcoming play-off fixtures, with Neil urging unity as they aim for a return to the Premier League.
