Light shows have become a common feature in modern football, but one club’s fans have firmly rejected the introduction of it.
Premier League and Championship games see plenty of light shows before kick-off, with clubs attempting to build up the atmosphere before the game gets underway.
But while most supporters either don’t mind it or begrudgingly get on with it, Millwall fans have had a different reaction.
The Lions welcomed Leeds United to The Den on Wednesday evening, and the fixture marked the first time their new light show had been implemented.
And footage on social media shows the home faithful didn’t feel particularly thrilled with the new pre-match dramatics.
As the light show begun, supporters were heard booing loudly.
‘Right Here, Right Now’ by Fatboy Slim was being played over the sound system, but the boos drowned the song out.
One fan vlogging the moment said: “No, you’re not in Ibiza.
“You are in South Bermondsey!”
Millwall’s old ground, also named ‘The Den’, was famed for its intimidating atmosphere.
And the fans are trying to get their former home’s reputation to manifest itself at their current ground, which they moved into in 1993.
It’s not particularly surprising, then, that Lions fans weren’t keen on having a light show reminiscent of an American sport half time show at their home game.
Fans had moaned about the decision to introduce the light display in the build up to the game.
The supporters’ club said on X: “As part of the new deal for floodlights @MillwallFC are going to have bloody LIGHT SHOWS as part of pre-match build up.
“Part of the deal with new light company, to have THREE per season.
“First one planned for LEEDS at home. Utter garbage!”
A Leeds fan at the game said: “Only Millwall could boo their own light show. I’m here for it though.”
After a tough start to the season, Millwall have hit form and go into Wednesday’s fixture sitting in eighth.
Meanwhile, Leeds, who lost the play-off final to Southampton last season, are in third.
Perhaps the light show had the desired effect on the Millwall players with the home side going 1-0 up at half time through Japhet Tanganga’s goal on 40 minutes.
