Young star pulls knife (From News Shopper)

Young star pulls knife

10:39am Wednesday 11th February 2004

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MILLWALL supporters have called on their club to set an example to fans by sacking a player who pulled a knife on a teammate.

The Millwall Supporters' Club has spoken out after Moses Ashikodi, 16, grabbed a kitchen knife and threatened striker Mark McCammon, 25, during training on February 4.

The two players, both recovering from injury, argued in the canteen after training while the first team were travelling to Telford.

According to reports from players and staff who witnessed the event, 6ft 5in McCammon pushed Ashikodi over.

Ashikodi then ran into the kitchen and returned with a knife, which he used to threaten his teammate.

Other players were forced to disarm Ashikodi who has since been suspended pending an inquiry.

Millwall Supporters' Club treasurer Ian Toal said: "Ashikodi is a very talented player but provoked or not you do not do that.

"The team has a zero tolerance approach to fans and must set the same example with players." IAN TOAL OF MILLWALL SUPPORTERS' CLUB

"There are those who will want him to stay because of his talent, but if he is found to have done this the club has to show it is disciplining players properly.

"Parents cannot be expected to bring their young boys to play in a team where one of the players pulls a knife on others.

"Supporters have been banned for much less than this. If supporters are to behave well then they must set an example internally.

"The team has a zero tolerance approach to fans and must set the same example with players."

Ashikodi became the youngest-ever player to appear in a Millwall shirt when he made his debut as a substitute at Brighton a year ago at the age of 15.

Capped by England at under-16 level, he has been put on the transfer list following the knife incident.

Chairman Theo Paphitis has launched an inquiry.

He said: "I can confirm there was a very serious incident between two of our players.

"Because of the nature of the incident we are launching a thorough investigation."

Millwall has a zero tolerance approach to hooliganism from fans.

Set up in 1998, the supporters club is the official body providing fans with a way to air their opinions and make their views known collectively to Millwall Football Club.

Police say they have not been informed about the incident and cannot launch investigations until someone reports a crime.

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