Millwall have apologised after admitting they failed to properly consult key supporter groups before agreeing to host a Women’s Super League fixture involving London City Lionesses at The Den.
The decision reignited long-standing tensions linked to the 2019 breakaway that saw London City formed and Millwall Lionesses forced to restart in the lower tiers.
The club confirmed that London City will use The Den as a back-up venue next month after their home ground, Hayes Lane, was unavailable due to a clash with Bromley’s League Two fixture. The game against Chelsea was brought forward because of Champions League scheduling requirements, leaving London City in need of an alternative venue under WSL regulations.
However, the move triggered anger from supporters of both the men’s and women’s teams. The Millwall Supporters’ Club argued that the original split had left the Lionesses “with nothing”, referencing the Football Association’s approval in 2019 to transfer Millwall’s Championship licence to the newly formed London City.
In response to the backlash, Millwall issued a statement acknowledging missteps in the consultation process.
“First and foremost, the club acknowledges that more thorough consultation should have taken place with all three parties earlier in this process and sincerely apologises for the upset this caused.
“The club is fully aware of the history between the Millwall Lionesses and London City and understands the strength of feeling attached to it.”
The statement confirmed that while Millwall had agreed in May 2025 to allow The Den to serve as a back-up venue, there are no current plans for broader collaboration beyond that arrangement.
“While there are currently no plans for further collaboration with London City beyond the back-up ground agreement, the club is clear that Millwall Lionesses, the Fan Advisory Board and Millwall Supporters’ Club will be at the heart of any future decisions.
“Following our discussions, we have agreed that as an immediate commitment, all net revenue generated by the club from this fixture will be reinvested back into Millwall Lionesses.”
That pledge to reinvest proceeds into the Lionesses is designed to ease tensions, particularly given the symbolic weight attached to The Den in the aftermath of the 2019 split.
Millwall also confirmed that The Den will host the Lionesses’ L&SERWFL Premier Division fixture against Sutton United on March 29. The club has further pledged to stage one Lionesses fixture during each international break next season and provide additional media and marketing support.
Supporters’ Club representatives welcomed the acknowledgement that the Lionesses should have been central to discussions from the outset, suggesting that the controversy could yet create an opportunity for closer collaboration moving forward.
Lionesses captain Jordan Butler echoed that sentiment, calling for unity and backing from the wider Millwall community ahead of their upcoming fixture at The Den.
From a broader standpoint, the episode highlights how deeply the events of 2019 continue to resonate. Hosting a single fixture might appear administrative on paper, but at Millwall, it carries emotional weight. The apology and revenue pledge are important first steps, yet the real test will come in sustained support for the Lionesses beyond one matchday. If the club follows through on its commitments, this could mark a reset. If not, the wounds reopened this week will linger.
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