Millwall's Sturge suffers racist abuse after red card

Zak Sturge has made 32 appearances and scored one goal in all competitions for Millwall this season Millwall defender Zak Sturge received online racist abuse after he was sent off against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Sturge was dismissed in the 59th minute for a foul on Yuki Ohashi with his side leading 1-0, before Blackburn's Mathias Jorgensen scored twice in five minutes to turn the game around for Rovers late on. Millwall said the abuse had come from two overseas Instagram accounts and neither appeared to have any affiliation to either club. "Both accounts have been reported to Instagram's parent company, Meta, and the EFL and the club is waiting for an update on this," Millwall said in a statement , external . It continued: "Emojis with racist intent and slurs about his skin colour were sent to Zak from two separate overseas Instagram accounts - one from Belgium and another from Mexico. "Neither account appears to have any fan affiliation with Millwall or Blackburn Rovers. "The club is doing everything it can to support Zak and his family and wholeheartedly condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. "It is disgraceful that in 2026 players continue to be subjected to such abuse. It has no place in the sport we love or in society." Jorgensen double as Blackburn stun 10-man Millwall The Lions had taken the lead through Luke Cundle's acrobatic bicycle kick after 54 minutes before Sturge, 21, fouled Blackburn attacker Ohashi just before the hour. The Japan international looked to be through on goal, leading to referee Andrew Kitchen brandishing a red card, though Millwall captain Jake Cooper appeared to be providing cover. Goals from Jorgensen in the 80th and 85th minutes sealed the comeback win for Blackburn to deny the Lions three points that would have sent them second in the Championship. Latest Millwall news, analysis and fan views Listen to Millwall content on BBC Sounds Chelsea fined over secret payments worth £47m Who did BBC pundits pick in their Six Nations teams of tournament? Another compelling Players - but why is it unlikely to ever be a major? Oscar-winning Storyville about a Russian teacher's quiet defiance Follow Greg’s 1,000km endurance tandem cycle for Red Nose Day Your weekly dose of fringe‑powered joy Kick off the week with the latest Premier League review Who makes BBC pundits' Six Nations team of the tournament? Video Who makes BBC pundits' Six Nations team of the tournament? Another compelling Players - but why is it unlikely to ever be a major? Six talking points from final round of Six Nations Norrie replaces Draper as British number one - but for how long? More than the Score. Audio More than the Score UFC London - all you need to know Spurs answer Tudor's call with show of fight in the face of crisis 'Best racing ever' or 'a joke'? The row over the new F1 Aberg & Fitzpatrick falter as Young becomes Players champion. Video Aberg & Fitzpatrick falter as Young becomes Players champion Have Old Firm wrestled title momentum away from Hearts? Fernandes is a joy to watch - Rooney. Video Fernandes is a joy to watch - Rooney A finale worthy of the greatest Six Nations in history Why GB are 'positive' despite just one medal at Winter Paralympics What next for Dowman - how do you look after a precious talent? Should the Winter Paralympics be moved? Gordon hits back at 'complete nonsense' from Rooney and Shearer Brentford, the World Cup and an itch to return to Gaelic football They were told it wasn't for girls, but these could be the future faces of F1 Jason Tindall - the most misunderstood man in football? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.