Millwall had two stars sent off ahead of the season’s win in Spain as the game descended into chaos
Millwall’s 2-1 pre-season win over Eldense on Friday ended sourly as three red cards were issued.
Strikes from summer signings Tairyk Arconte and Mark Sykes put the Lions two goals ahead, before the Spanish side grabbed a late consolation.
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However, the game was marred by misbehavior as the referee sent off three players.
Goalkeeper Arconte was shown his marching orders shortly after the restart.
Casper De Norre was then sent off six minutes after being introduced in the second half.
Eldense continued to score for Millwall, as they hit the crossbar twice in late goals.
Lukas Jensen made a good save to deny Eldense a chance, while Ryan Leonard cleared an effort off the line.
The hosts struck late and received a red card for their troubles in the final game of pre-season.
‘The referee failed to control himself’
Although he finished the game with nine players, the Millwall coach, Alex Neil, who is expected to take over coaching duties in Scotland, praised his players.
“I thought we were ahead in the first half, we moved the ball well, we scored two very good goals. It was nice to see Arconte get the points,” said Neil after the one-goal win.
“The game in the first half was very good, the goals were well deserved. Sykesy came up with the goal so it’s good for the young lads to get the points.
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“There were many good performances, in the first half we were the better team.
“We moved the ball well, which I’m happy about. I didn’t think we did that in the last game, so that was a big improvement.”
Neil then pointed to the referee, adding: “The referee just lost control of the game. Never in my coaching life have I seen two players sent off so, so slowly.
“It’s not even a fight – I don’t think there was a bad fight in the game.
“That’s why his dismissal of the boys was a strange thing. What would have happened is that he would have told me that you have to take this player out and we would take him out and put another one in.
“Because tonight Jack Howland could not get time for the game because I was only allowed to include ten players. [as substitutes] in the second half.”
Neil continued: “To have nine men for 30 minutes and score one goal, which I thought was unlucky, I’m really happy.
“We had Camiel Neghli playing at left back, we had Raf [Lamptey] we play right back, we have Lenny [Ryan Leonard] to play a centre-back, for them to go through it was absolutely amazing. “
Millwall will play next week against Gillingham as they step up their pre-season preparations.
The south London side will be hoping to go one better in the upcoming campaign having reached the semi finals of the Championship before defeating Hull City in the final.
Millwall will kick off their 2026/27 season with a trip to Bristol City next month.
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