Millwall 2 Middlesbrough 2: Boro chief Mowbray backs decision not to abandon at New Den

Referee Chris Sarginson asked Jackett and Boro counterpart Tony Mowbray whether the game should continue after missiles were thrown onto the New Den pitch by the home fans.

But Jackett said calling off the game – nicely poised with Middlesbrough 2-1 ahead – would have been the wrong decision to take, insisting he was pleased to have such vociferous support behind his team.

He said: “I didn’t think it would have been the right decision but told the ref to ask the Boro keeper. We felt that things would settle down, which they did.

“From our fans’ points of view, there was some fantastic passion there and perhaps they felt aggrieved at one or two decisions which didn’t go their way.

“I’m not condoning it but I do like the passion and enthusiasm.”

Mowbray added: “The referee wanted to bring the teams off but both managers didn’t think it was the right decision and in hindsight it was the correct decision to finish.

“What I’d say as the opposing manager is that what an asset it is to have that intensity and noise from the stands every week, but you overstep the mark when objects start coming on the pitch.”

Mowbray was grateful to see the match reach its conclusion as Leroy Lita struck in the 83rd minute to hand Middlesbrough three points.

He singled out Merouane Zemmama after the substitute inspired his side to victory, setting up two goals – McMahon and McDonald being the other scorers. “He was a bit of class. He’s a Moroccan international and I signed him for Hibernian five years ago.”

Millwall: Forde, Dunne, Barron, Abdou, Paul Robinson, Purse, Hackett (Bouazza 64), Trotter, Harris (Lisbie 76), Morison, Henry. Unused substitutes: Mildenhall, Eastmond, Craig, Ward, Theo Robinson.

Middlesbrough: Steele, Hines, Davies, Grounds, McMahon, Bailey, Arca (Zemmama 57), Taylor, Bennett, McDonald (Smallwood 90), Lita. Unused substitutes: Ripley, Haas, Boyd, Halliday, Park.

Referee: C Sarginson (Staffordshire).

Man of the match: Merouane Zemmama.