Fans clash as Wigan reach first FA Cup final

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) –

Wigan Athletic‘s striker Callum McManaman shoots to score as Millwall’s goalkeeper David Forde (down) looks on during their FA Cup semi-final football match at Wembley Stadium in north London on April 13, 2013. Wigan won 2-0.

Wigan Athletic defeated second-tier Millwall 2-0 to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in their history, but the match was marred by fighting between fans of the beaten side.

After Callum McManaman doubled Wigan’s lead 12 minutes from time at a rain-soaked Wembley Stadium, violence broken out in the Millwall seating area behind one of the goals.

Millwall said fans who shamed Wembley by fighting will face life bans.

Eleven people were arrested after violent scuffles broke out towards the end of the match.

Police wielding batons eventually brought the disorder under control, and the Metropolitan Police said four officers had sustained “minor injuries”.

“Our position is clear. Anyone associated with our club found guilty of violent behaviour will be banned indefinitely from Millwall matches in addition to any punishment they receive from the authorities,” said Millwall chief executive Andy Ambler.

“I didn’t see or wasn’t aware of any fighting during the game. I was concentrating on the game and I wasn’t aware of any problems,” said Millwall manager Kenny Jackett.

The fighting left many young children in the stands in tears.

Millwall fans fight in the crowd during the FA Cup semi-final football match between Millwall and Wigan Athletic at Wembley Stadium in north London on April 13, 2013. Wigan won the game 2-0.

“I’m very, very sorry if that’s the case. But until I do see those images and get the time to sum that up for myself, it’s tough for me to comment,” said Jackett.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said he had been stunned by the violence which left some fans injured.

“I can’t understand why the Millwall fans would fight each other,” Whelan told BBC Radio.

“I understand if they want to fall out with the visiting team, but why would they fall out amongst themselves? It just gives football a very, very poor reputation.”

Football Association general secretary Alex Horne said that fans involved in the violence could be banned from all grounds in the country.

Newspapers condemned the violence, with the Sun on Sunday running the simple headline “Scum!” on its website, while the The Daily Mail website added: “Football shamed as Millwall fans fight each other in the stands at Wembley.”

The violence took some of the shine off Wigan’s victory, sparked by a composed volley from Scottish midfielder Shaun Maloney mid-way through the first half.

Wigan now await the winners of Sunday’s other semi-final between Manchester City and holders Chelsea, as they look forward to a second major domestic final after a one-sided loss to Manchester United in the 2006 League Cup.

Martinez unexpectedly handed goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi a first start since March 2, but it was his opposite number, David Forde, who was the focus of activity in the first half.

Wigan Athletic’s midfielder Shaun Maloney shoots to score against Millwall during their FA Cup semi-final football matchat Wembley Stadium in north London on April 13, 2013. Wigan won 2-0.

His first involvement saw him race out to save at the feet of Arouna Kone, before springing to his right to repel a crisp drive from McManaman with a two-handed parry.

There was a sense of inevitability about the breakthrough, which arrived in the 25th minute.

Kone was the architect, brilliantly chesting down a high ball and spinning away from a clutch of defenders before crossing for the unmarked Maloney to steer an assured volley beneath Forde.

Forde had to collect an acrobatic volley from Paul Scharner and although Millwall briefly threatened to come back into the game, the half ended with Wigan on the front foot once again.

McManaman lofted a shot over the bar from the edge of the box after another probing incursion from Kone, while Jordi Gomez tested Forde with a first-time shot from 18 yards.

Wigan were playing with the same poise that had seen them stun Everton 3-0 in the quarter-finals and despite Millwall packing their midfield, Maloney, McManaman and Kone were finding plenty of space.

McManaman was at it again early in the second half, worming his way to the byline on the left and then leaving two defenders on the turf as he cut inside, only to curl his shot over the bar.

Wigan Athletic’s goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi (3rd L) punches the ball clear during their FA Cup semi-final football match against Millwall at Wembley Stadium in north London on April 13, 2013. Wigan won the game 2-0.

Belatedly, Millwall came to life, and after James Henry swept a free-kick just over the bar, Scharner had to produce a crucial block to thwart Andy Keogh.

Moments later, Wigan were given a huge fright when Mark Beevers’ downward header hit Scharner and fortuitously bounced over the crossbar.

Jackett sought to capitalise on the momentum by introducing striker Rob Hulse.

Keogh thought he should have had a penalty when his cross struck Scharner’s arm, but referee Michael Oliver, who had a good view of the incident, was unmoved.

McManaman continued to provide a threat whenever he picked up the ball wide on the Wigan left, however, and in the 78th minute he put the result beyond doubt, darting onto Gomez’s through pass before rounding Forde and sliding the ball home.

“It is a great feeling, but it is one of relief, particularly with the way the second half went. It will sink in during the next few weeks,” Maloney told BBC radio.

For all their exploits in the cup, Wigan remain in the Premier League’s relegation zone, and Maloney added: “We have a big next month coming up in the Premier League now.”