Morison slams Millwall pitch invaders who 'ruined our big Wembley moment'

Steve Morison fired Millwall back to the Sky Bet Championship and then hit out at the fans who “ruined” their big moment.

Lions striker Morison prodded home an 85th-minute winner to sink Bradford 1-0 in the League One play-off final at Wembley.

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But sadly, the shine was taken off Millwall’s win by the behaviour of some of their fans.

Several hundred invaded the pitch at the final whistle with some goading Bradford’s crestfallen players and their manager, Stuart McCall.

While being interviewed on the pitch by Sky Sports, Morison said: “It’s annoying me, I can’t focus at the minute. They’ve ruined this for everyone.”

Bradford defender Tony McMahon was squared up to by Lions fans who had run the length of the pitch to taunt the losing side, while McCall said he too had been verbally abused.

“I came close to clocking a couple of them,” admitted McCall.

“I think Wembley has got to learn. Everyone in the place knew they would come on the pitch. Where were the stewards on the halfway line?

“I still don’t understand why they want to goad me, my staff and my players. Stay in your own half, enjoy your moment. Don’t start goading my players.”

Bantams centre-half Rory McArdle was also caught up in the chaos, and he said: “It’s Wembley, and you don’t usually associate pitch invasions at Wembley.

“It was horrible, but it’s Millwall fans at the end of the day, isn’t it?”

Lions boss Neil Harris, who was desperately trying to usher the supporters off the pitch, apologised to McCall.

He said: “I don’t condone it, it’s not the place for that and I apologise to Stuart and his staff.

“I’m hoping they just came on to get their selfies and enjoy themselves. But it won’t take away my joy tonight.”

Defeat was harsh on Bradford, who looked the better side for long periods but were unable to turn their possession into goals.

Their best chance fell to Billy Clarke, who raced through on goal in the first half only to be denied by a fingertip save from Jordan Archer.

Looming

But with extra time looming Shaun Williams crossed from the left, Lee Gregory nodded the ball on and Morison erased the memory of last season’s Wembley defeat by Barnsley.

“Steve is our talisman,” said Harris.

“He’s an integral part of how we play and when you need that moment of magic he’s the man.”

Bradford went in search of an equaliser but the closest they came was McMahon’s effort which rippled the side-netting.

“The boy Archer’s save was top drawer,” added McCall. “It’s tough to take as I don’t think there was anything between the sides.

“It shows the fine lines in football. Congratulations to Neil – now I know how he was feeling last year.

“The players in the dressing room are devastated but we’ve got to aim to do the same as Millwall next year.”