Ref wanted to halt Millwall game

Last updated : 19 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Middlesbrough's 3-2 win at Millwall was almost called off when objects were thrown from the home crowd at the Den.Boro manager Tony Mowbray revealed: "The referee wanted to bring the teams off but both managers didn't think it was the right decision."

Missiles were thrown at the linesman and at visiting keeper Luke Steele when Scott McDonald put his side 2-1 up.

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett said: "I'm not condoning it, but I do like the passion and enthusiasm."

Millwall led through Neil Harris's first-half volley but were pegged back by Tony McMahon's free-kick before McDonald's disputed strike on 62 minutes.

Play was held up for several minutes as referee Chris Sarginson went to the dugouts to speak to both managers.

Jackett added: "I didn't think it would have been the right decision [to stop the game] but I told the ref to ask the Boro' keeper. We felt that things would settle down, which they did.

"From our fans' points of view, perhaps they felt aggrieved at one or two decisions which didn't go their way.

"And some of the decisions we've had lately have been tough."

Mowbray said: "What I'd say as the opposing manager is that what an asset it is to have that intensity and noise from the stands every week, but you overstep the mark when objects start coming on the pitch."

The victory moved Middlesbrough seven points clear of the relegation zone, while it was Millwall's first home defeat since early November as their challenge for a play-off place faltered, leaving them in ninth position.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport