Watford captain Troy Deeney has said that Millwall supporters booing their players for taking the knee ahead of their game against Derby County on Saturday shows just why campaigning for equality must continue.

Since the return of football back in June, players have knelt ahead of kick off to show solidarity against all forms of racism and discrimination.

However, supporters were finally permitted to return to stadiums for games last weekend and some voiced opposition to the gesture, including at the Den, where the Hornets will play Millwall later this month.

On TalkSport this morning, Deeney admitted he was not necessarily surprised to hear the booing, but said it shows why the fight for equality is still needed.

“I’m not massively shocked. I don’t want to put this on all the Millwall fans or the club," he said.

“There’s a certain amount of people that found a reason to boo. They’ll have their reasons for that. I don’t want to get into that because I think we’re giving them too much energy to be honest.

Watford Observer:

“There’s a reason people like myself and others are advocating for equality. This is why.

“It shows that those advocating for equality must keep going.”

The Hornets captain went on to explain that it was a concious decision to continue to take the knee after the return of fans, in order to spark the necessary conversations and debates around discrimination both in the game and in wider society.

“In April time, in a Premier League meeting, we said this has to be done when fans are back,” he added.

“It’s easy to take the knee when no-one’s there. It’s easy to put the badge on when no-one’s there.

“When fans are there it sparks conversation, rightly or wrongly. These are uncomfortable conversations we have to have."

A statement released by Millwall after the incident reads: "Millwall Football Club was dismayed and saddened by events which marred Saturday’s game against Derby County at The Den.

The club has worked tirelessly in recent months to prepare for the return of supporters and what should have been a positive and exciting occasion was completely overshadowed, much to the immense disappointment and upset of those who have contributed to those efforts.

The impact of such incidents is felt not just by the players and management, but by those who work throughout the club and in its Academy and Community Trust, where so many staff and volunteers continue passionate endeavours to enhance Millwall’s reputation day after day, year after year.

The club will not allow their fine work to be in vain.

The players are continuing to use the biggest platform they have to support the drive for change, not just in football but in society generally."