Matt Mills

[Top Flight]

The Matt Mills situation went like this:

No one booed him to get his middle finger salute reaction.

He had just made the 5th wayward long-range ball out to Kebe and the fans just groaned in frustration and were shouting what the fook he was trying another one of those long passes to Kebe for when 3 of them had already gone wrong and it was beginning to get predictable and irritating. They were just frustrated groans from the home support.

Mills totally over-reacted the over sensitive lad that he is and stuck his finger up at the support. It was completely out of order really and then a few fans booed him after that.

When Mills put in a strong tackle everyone shouted his name.

Quite why Mills over-reacted is beyond me. Anyway, he's a good lad. He played a good game. He's the best Centre Back at the club. I'm sure most of the fans still love him and it's time to move on.

[Jackson Corner]

Kebe has had some terrible stick since joining the club but he never once gave the crowd the finger. He answerd his critics by turning his form around. Mills should be fined make an apolagy and move on.

[joe999]

I had (in my opinion) probably the best view of all this. Im not saying Im right, so dont flame me, but Ill tell you how Im pretty sure it went.

45 Mins: Mills starts playing a fair few long balls out to Kebe (which hes VERY good at, but if you do it too often you'll get sussed by the opposition after a few times)

50-55 Mins: After about 5 long balls in a row there are fans in the east stand who suggest (no shouting yet) that a few balls should go on the floor. It was all positive, just encouragement. Mills turns to the east stand, waves his arm, and goes "F**k off". I hope you can trust me on this one, only about 100 people noticed.

60 mins (or thereabouts): a few more long balls and the fans a little more aggitated now, but still NOWHERE NEAR what I would call out of order from the crowd, mills again turns to the crowd. "F**k off!" A few more people notice. I really hope someone on here can back me up on these two, because every seems to be talking about the next incident, but these are probably just as relevant.

Now by this point I was more disappointed than angry. I was really disappointed that fans who pay their hard earned cash to come and watch their role-model, should be sworn at by the guy whos getting his wages paid by us. Do I abuse him? Not a chance, could be heat of the moment. Who knows.

What I saw next I just couldn't believe. I dont blame fans in the slightest for having a go at someone whos just told them to f**k off twice. Especially when its US paying the money, and HIM earning a ridiculous amount a week. And it wasn't like it wasn't for good reason. Mills' 50th long ball in a row out of play and fans start to get annoyed and shout. I honestly couldn't believe him turning to the crowd, and standing there for a few seconds before giving everyone the finger.

I just couldn't believe it. The week our club gets voted "Best family friendly club in the country" and some thug in defense is swearing at the fans who love him. I found it absolutely disgusting, and I do not want someone with that attitude playing in my club. Anyone saying he was "Caught in the moment..." "Passion..." no. It was 3 times. That's not passion, that's blatent arrogance. I don't care how good he's been the last few weeks, I'd be perfectly happy never to see him play for Reading again.

Disgusting attitude to the people paying his wages.

[Chaney]

I had (in my opinion) probably the best view of all this. Im not saying Im right, so dont flame me, but Ill tell you how Im pretty sure it went.

45 Mins: Mills starts playing a fair few long balls out to Kebe (which hes VERY good at, but if you do it too often you'll get sussed by the opposition after a few times)

50-55 Mins: After about 5 long balls in a row there are fans in the east stand who suggest (no shouting yet) that a few balls should go on the floor. It was all positive, just encouragement. Mills turns to the east stand, waves his arm, and goes "F**k off". I hope you can trust me on this one, only about 100 people noticed.

60 mins (or thereabouts): a few more long balls and the fans a little more aggitated now, but still NOWHERE NEAR what I would call out of order from the crowd, mills again turns to the crowd. "F**k off!" A few more people notice. I really hope someone on here can back me up on these two, because every seems to be talking about the next incident, but these are probably just as relevant.

Now by this point I was more disappointed than angry. I was really disappointed that fans who pay their hard earned cash to come and watch their role-model, should be sworn at by the guy whos getting his wages paid by us. Do I abuse him? Not a chance, could be heat of the moment. Who knows.

What I saw next I just couldn't believe. I dont blame fans in the slightest for having a go at someone whos just told them to f**k off twice. Especially when its US paying the money, and HIM earning a ridiculous amount a week. And it wasn't like it wasn't for good reason. Mills' 50th long ball in a row out of play and fans start to get annoyed and shout. I honestly couldn't believe him turning to the crowd, and standing there for a few seconds before giving everyone the finger.

I just couldn't believe it. The week our club gets voted "Best family friendly club in the country" and some thug in defense is swearing at the fans who love him. I found it absolutely disgusting, and I do not want someone with that attitude playing in my club. Anyone saying he was "Caught in the moment..." "Passion..." no. It was 3 times. That's not passion, that's blatent arrogance. I don't care how good he's been the last few weeks, I'd be perfectly happy never to see him play for Reading again.

Disgusting attitude to the people paying his wages.

I noticed one of the reactions you describe yes.

[FiNeRaIn]

I had (in my opinion) probably the best view of all this. Im not saying Im right, so dont flame me, but Ill tell you how Im pretty sure it went.

45 Mins: Mills starts playing a fair few long balls out to Kebe (which hes VERY good at, but if you do it too often you'll get sussed by the opposition after a few times)

50-55 Mins: After about 5 long balls in a row there are fans in the east stand who suggest (no shouting yet) that a few balls should go on the floor. It was all positive, just encouragement. Mills turns to the east stand, waves his arm, and goes "F**k off". I hope you can trust me on this one, only about 100 people noticed.

60 mins (or thereabouts): a few more long balls and the fans a little more aggitated now, but still NOWHERE NEAR what I would call out of order from the crowd, mills again turns to the crowd. "F**k off!" A few more people notice. I really hope someone on here can back me up on these two, because every seems to be talking about the next incident, but these are probably just as relevant.

Now by this point I was more disappointed than angry. I was really disappointed that fans who pay their hard earned cash to come and watch their role-model, should be sworn at by the guy whos getting his wages paid by us. Do I abuse him? Not a chance, could be heat of the moment. Who knows.

What I saw next I just couldn't believe. I dont blame fans in the slightest for having a go at someone whos just told them to f**k off twice. Especially when its US paying the money, and HIM earning a ridiculous amount a week. And it wasn't like it wasn't for good reason. Mills' 50th long ball in a row out of play and fans start to get annoyed and shout. I honestly couldn't believe him turning to the crowd, and standing there for a few seconds before giving everyone the finger.

I just couldn't believe it. The week our club gets voted "Best family friendly club in the country" and some thug in defense is swearing at the fans who love him. I found it absolutely disgusting, and I do not want someone with that attitude playing in my club. Anyone saying he was "Caught in the moment..." "Passion..." no. It was 3 times. That's not passion, that's blatent arrogance. I don't care how good he's been the last few weeks, I'd be perfectly happy never to see him play for Reading again.

Disgusting attitude to the people paying his wages.

If anyone else can back this up he can certainly fvxck off big time, c**t.

[joe999]

Well one other 'nobber saw it at least then.. (thanks chaney) That was really what I wanted to get across. It wasn't just once. Thats what I was disappointed in.

I know a lot of people still wont believe it, but we're not making it up.

[Wimb]

one thing i will add is this level of abuse is absolutely nothing compared the abuse dished out By Handbags at Blackpool to McAnuff

Didn't I hear McAnuff gave some chat back?

Good lord, storm in a teacup and all that. I didn't go last night and was sound asleep so only going off the above.

But If Joe's right (and I've no reason not to believe him) then it sounds like he was just having a crap night, maybe he had a row with the bird at home, maybe he got bad news, maybe he got up on the wrong side of the bed, who knows?

Point being this seems the first time the bloke has acted up and seems born out of frustration (rather then malice) towards a small section of the crowd. It's out of order from Mills as a professional footballer but an understandable reaction from a human being under pressure.

If he comes out and apologises and explains it then I'm happy to see him back in the shirt as per usual next week.

[joe999]

maybe he had a row with the bird at home, maybe he got bad news, maybe he got up on the wrong side of the bed, who knows?

Point being this seems the first time the bloke has acted up and seems born out of frustration (rather then malice) towards a small section of the crowd. It's out of order from Mills as a professional footballer but an understandable reaction from a human being under pressure.

If he comes out and apologises and explains it then I'm happy to see him back in the shirt as per usual next week.

Fair point. A genuine written apology, not prompted by the club but from him, and Ill be happy enough.

[marcusopp]

We've won 8 out of last 9 games and are now mid table with an outside chance of making the play offs, having looked (in my opinion) certain to be relegated 7 weeks ago.

Yet our "fans" decide to abuse a player who has has been intregal to this upturn in fortunes, because of a few wayward passes. To my mind this is moronic, counter productive and beyond pathetic. What's wrong people? Bored now you can't boo Kebe because he's playing well?!

I'm in Y22 and the abuse started there before he made the gesture. I now seem to be public enemy number one where I sit as a result of voicing my objection to the taunts. I'm obviously not a proper fan?!

Mills reaction was disappointing, but perhaps understandable. If I'd performed brilliantly in my job for the past 7 weeks, but was then subjected to fierce criticism after making a few minor mistakes, I'd be bemused and angry.

+1000

[Very near...far away]

To all the moaners on here, wittering on with their "we pay his money" type nonsense:

I'm sure you're all over it now.

Get on with your lives.

It really is not the end of the world and I don't think we'll be needing any summits or conferences.

[tlcs]

Is it me , but have some of our players fallen out of love with the East stand

Shane Long has a brace of goals against Aston Villa and celebrates in front of the West stand

The Sig scores his penalty last night and comes across to the west stand

Could it be the abuse that some of our players give out originates from the EAST stand , espically the shit that has been handed out to Kebe.

Look at yourselves before booing our players !!!!

[Avon Royal]

By the look on his face at the time, I'm pretty sure Mills also thought that the "you're not fit to wear the hoops song" was aimed at him.

[handbags_harris]

People were frustrated he was hammering the ball out of play and told him - there is nothing wrong with that. They weren't getting on his back prior to that and haven't been in recent weeks either - I could maybe understand if he was subject to being singled out long term. In fact thats the first bit of abuse i've heard him given and even then it was a frustrated moan not down right spite aimed at him like others have suffered. Even the QPR players were running out to kebe every time matt mills got the ball it was that obvious and he had a success rate of less than 50% of finding his man

You don't middle finger your own fans...thats why he was boo'd after that and completely justified. In the MONTHS that kebe took abuse did he once do anything as unprofessional as that, did shane long either? No.

I thought matt mills was a top pro until tonight and I was saying how much I liked him and how down to earth he sounded in interviews. I was stunned at what I saw tonight and doubt i'll hold him in such high regard again.

This is totally and utterly 100% spot on. There is nothing people can add to this, the debate endeth here.

[Basingstoke Royal]

I can back you up on this. Since half time he looked over a few times and mumbled thngs at the fans. There was also a lot of shaking his head. I was too far back to hear but could see he was clearly not happy with some people down the front of the east stand from the start of the 2nd half.

I had (in my opinion) probably the best view of all this. Im not saying Im right, so dont flame me, but Ill tell you how Im pretty sure it went.

45 Mins: Mills starts playing a fair few long balls out to Kebe (which hes VERY good at, but if you do it too often you'll get sussed by the opposition after a few times)

50-55 Mins: After about 5 long balls in a row there are fans in the east stand who suggest (no shouting yet) that a few balls should go on the floor. It was all positive, just encouragement. Mills turns to the east stand, waves his arm, and goes "F**k off". I hope you can trust me on this one, only about 100 people noticed.

60 mins (or thereabouts): a few more long balls and the fans a little more aggitated now, but still NOWHERE NEAR what I would call out of order from the crowd, mills again turns to the crowd. "F**k off!" A few more people notice. I really hope someone on here can back me up on these two, because every seems to be talking about the next incident, but these are probably just as relevant.

Now by this point I was more disappointed than angry. I was really disappointed that fans who pay their hard earned cash to come and watch their role-model, should be sworn at by the guy whos getting his wages paid by us. Do I abuse him? Not a chance, could be heat of the moment. Who knows.

What I saw next I just couldn't believe. I dont blame fans in the slightest for having a go at someone whos just told them to f**k off twice. Especially when its US paying the money, and HIM earning a ridiculous amount a week. And it wasn't like it wasn't for good reason. Mills' 50th long ball in a row out of play and fans start to get annoyed and shout. I honestly couldn't believe him turning to the crowd, and standing there for a few seconds before giving everyone the finger.

I just couldn't believe it. The week our club gets voted "Best family friendly club in the country" and some thug in defense is swearing at the fans who love him. I found it absolutely disgusting, and I do not want someone with that attitude playing in my club. Anyone saying he was "Caught in the moment..." "Passion..." no. It was 3 times. That's not passion, that's blatent arrogance. I don't care how good he's been the last few weeks, I'd be perfectly happy never to see him play for Reading again.

Disgusting attitude to the people paying his wages.

[Bath Hoops]

I thought I'd leave it a day to reply on this one and cool down abit and I have to say that it hasn't changed my opinion. Regardless of whatever went on it was totally unacceptable what Mills did, he has shown a total lack of respect to the club in behaving in that matter and if it is reported by any of the officials then he is likely to get suspended for it. You can blame the people who had a go at him or the atmosphere of a competitive game, but there is NO excuse for him and personally I hope the club fine him for it. If he behaves like that now what hope have we got when the away fans get on at him too, once people know you react they try it on more. Very disappointed in the reaction by Brian as well on the interview, he just wants to brush it aside and forget it but why should Mills be allowed to behave like that. I don't agree with the fans booing him either and they need to look at themselves about that, but Mills reaction at the incident and at the end when he just run off were not right by any stretch of the imagination.

[soggy biscuit]

People are not perfect, sometimes they react in ways they shouldn't in the heat of the moment. Add to this that most RFC fans are mongtards that don't understand football and you have your classic Millsgate finger salute.

LOL @ all the faux outrage on here.

[Allyh84]

Lol at people saying he can oxf*rd off.

You'd love to see where we'd be without him.

[Very near...far away]

Please teacher, ban him teacher, send him away for a very long time.

Many years ago, a lot of Reading players took a lot of stick from a lot of fans. They shrugged and looked sheepish. By and large most of those players weren't very good. Obviously some people would like to see that kind of "acceptance" back at Reading.

[Blue Hooped Moose]

okay say you work really hard at your job for 2 months and then, during a struggling period your manager asks you to do something different. it sort of comes off but twice doesn't work, so your customer stands over you giving you torrents of abuse,despite your recent sacrifices for your job and hard work for them?!. you'd do the same!

No, I wouldn't - a professional person would take the pasting (the customer is always right, right?) and seek to make amends. They'd then take the issue up with the manager, away from the customer (to maintain an air of professionalism) and then sort things out.

I think the reason some people are so shocked about this is the uniqueness of the situation - I've certainly never been at a game where a player has told his own fans to f@eck off. Had this been a Premier player this would be all over the papers and Andy Gray would be having a field day.

From where I was sat in Y24 there was no booing before the incident and when he gave the bird there was a feeling of disbelief; lots of "Did he...?" "He did, didn't he?" and LOTS of faces.

By the look on his face at the time, I'm pretty sure Mills also thought that the "you're not fit to wear the hoops song" was aimed at him.

I thought this too - perhaps that's why he was crying?

[parky]

I can back you up on this. Since half time he looked over a few times and mumbled thngs at the fans. There was also a lot of shaking his head. I was too far back to hear but could see he was clearly not happy with some people down the front of the east stand from the start of the 2nd half.

I had (in my opinion) probably the best view of all this. Im not saying Im right, so dont flame me, but Ill tell you how Im pretty sure it went.

45 Mins: Mills starts playing a fair few long balls out to Kebe (which hes VERY good at, but if you do it too often you'll get sussed by the opposition after a few times)

50-55 Mins: After about 5 long balls in a row there are fans in the east stand who suggest (no shouting yet) that a few balls should go on the floor. It was all positive, just encouragement. Mills turns to the east stand, waves his arm, and goes "F**k off". I hope you can trust me on this one, only about 100 people noticed.

60 mins (or thereabouts): a few more long balls and the fans a little more aggitated now, but still NOWHERE NEAR what I would call out of order from the crowd, mills again turns to the crowd. "F**k off!" A few more people notice. I really hope someone on here can back me up on these two, because every seems to be talking about the next incident, but these are probably just as relevant.

Now by this point I was more disappointed than angry. I was really disappointed that fans who pay their hard earned cash to come and watch their role-model, should be sworn at by the guy whos getting his wages paid by us. Do I abuse him? Not a chance, could be heat of the moment. Who knows.

What I saw next I just couldn't believe. I dont blame fans in the slightest for having a go at someone whos just told them to f**k off twice. Especially when its US paying the money, and HIM earning a ridiculous amount a week. And it wasn't like it wasn't for good reason. Mills' 50th long ball in a row out of play and fans start to get annoyed and shout. I honestly couldn't believe him turning to the crowd, and standing there for a few seconds before giving everyone the finger.

I just couldn't believe it. The week our club gets voted "Best family friendly club in the country" and some thug in defense is swearing at the fans who love him. I found it absolutely disgusting, and I do not want someone with that attitude playing in my club. Anyone saying he was "Caught in the moment..." "Passion..." no. It was 3 times. That's not passion, that's blatent arrogance. I don't care how good he's been the last few weeks, I'd be perfectly happy never to see him play for Reading again.

Disgusting attitude to the people paying his wages.

Completely agree, and then when fans were chanting his name there was more shaking of the head as I don't think that helped at all it just made us look pathetic to him IMHO, Its such a shame but I don't think he will be playing for us again as his decision.