Middlesbrough hoping to avoid a heavy punishment despite post-match disorder

Boro guaranteed themselves a place in the play-offs as goals from Britt Assombalonga and Jonny Howson secured a 2-0 win over their promotion rivals, but events on the field were at least partially overshadowed by what happened after the final whistle.

Within seconds of referee Paul Tierney blowing for full-time, hundreds of Middlesbrough supporters poured onto the pitch to celebrate the securing of a play-off spot. Millwall’s players and staff were still on the field while opposition supporters cavorted around them, and despite repeated pleas over the public address system, it took at least ten minutes for the pitch to be cleared.

By that time, a small group of Middlesbrough fans had congregated in front of Millwall’s travelling supporters, and over the course of the next 20 minutes, a series of unsavoury incidents took place in the south-east corner of the Riverside.

With a line of stewards and police attempting to keep the two sets of fans apart, bottles and seats were thrown as things threatened to spill over.

The Football Association are expected to launch an inquiry into the post-match incidents, but Middlesbrough officials are hoping their attempts to deal with the situation will be taken into account before any punishment is meted out.

Saturday’s match programme featured a plea for supporters to stay off the pitch, and prior to the full-time whistle, Boro warned fans they could face banning orders or criminal convictions if they ran on to the field via a series of messages over the public address system.

Once supporters began to run onto the pitch, a further set of warnings were issued, along with a display on the giant television screen at the corner of the ground.

The FA will take Boro’s actions into account, but the governing body have become increasingly intolerant of pitch invasions in the last few years. Earlier this month, Wigan Athletic were fined £12,500 for “failing to ensure that no spectators or unauthorised persons encroached onto the pitch” following their FA Cup victory over Manchester City.

Manchester City made a formal complaint about the post-match scenes at the DW Stadium, but given Millwall’s previous record for crowd trouble and pitch invasions, it is unlikely that the London club will air a similar grievance in the wake of Saturday’s events.

Cleveland Police confirmed they had made two arrests – one for racially aggravated public disorder and another for possession of Class A drugs – and criticised a “minority” of supporters for their behaviour.

Superintendent Dave Sutherland said: “Cleveland Police works with football clubs, partner agencies, fans and stewards to ensure matches are as safe, crime-free and enjoyable as possible.

“I would particularly like to thank all the fans for their patience and support at the match. The vast majority of those attending football matches are genuine fans but there is a minority that ruin it for others.”

On the pitch, Boro guaranteed themselves a top-six finish as they claimed a third successive victory against opponents in the top half of the table.

They will finish in either fifth or sixth position, meaning the first leg of their play-off semi-final will be at home on either Friday, May 11 or Saturday, May 12. They will face either Cardiff City, Fulham or Aston Villa, depending on what happens on the final day of the season next weekend.

Boro head to Ipswich Town for their final fixture, and Tony Pulis will use the trip to Portman Road to ensure his side are primed for the play-offs.

That might mean resting some key players on Sunday, although the Boro boss is also mindful of the need to maintain the momentum that has been generated in the last few weeks.

“We’re delighted that we’re now in the play-offs,” said Pulis. “Now, it’s a case of looking forward to the Ipswich game, and then going on from there. One or two players might need a rest, and one or two players might be taken out of the Ipswich game. Alternatively, I might go with the same team.

“I’ll have a good look at it (this) week and have a good chat with the boys, and see where they are. Then we’ll look forward to those play-off games.

“The most important thing is that we’re right when we turn up here for the play-offs. The Ipswich game is important because it’s the next game, and anyone who knows me as a man or a manager will know that every game I go in to, I want to win. But it’s about finding the right balance, and concentrating on what is really important for us.”

Pulis was pleased with his players’ performance as they comfortably outplayed a Millwall side that have exceeded all expectations since they were promoted from League One last season.

Assombalonga’s 12th-minute strike set them on their way, before Howson made the game safe as he capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Jordan Archer to tap home from close range.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said Pulis. “Neil and Millwall Football Club have had an exceptional season. They’re a team. They’ve got a very competitive group of players who work tremendously hard for one another, and they squeeze the pips out of everything.

“They were well set up and they’re one of the big over-achievers in the Championship. I think Neil should be very proud of the group of players he’s got and the effort and commitment they give him every game.

“We knew we’d have to compete with Millwall, and then when we got the opportunities, we had to play the way we can play. We’ve got some good footballers in the team.

“We had lots of the ball in the first half, but didn’t really create enough chances or have enough shots at goal. That was my criticism at half-time. But I’m very, very pleased with the result and the performance.”