Goater's call for Millwall's New Den to be shut down after their fans rioted during Manchester City's game there in September.

The FA this week found the London Second Division club guilty of failing to control their supporters but did not impose any direct punishment, warning them only about their future conduct and saying the situation would be closely monitored.

After a hearing lasting six hours, an FA crowd control commission said it was impressed by Millwall's determination to prevent any further problems.

Match referee Matt Messias gave evidence to the commission about the pitch invasions and incidents of coin throwing in the second half of a bad-tempered 1-1 draw in which two players were sent off following a mass brawl and six others booked.

Police superintendent Trevor Brydges said there had been four invasions during the game and police had to stop fans reaching players and officials after City scored their late equaliser.

Part of the trouble was blamed on hooligans from other London clubs attending the game. Superintendent Brydges said new measures had now been put in place.

City striker Goater could not be contacted for comment last night but at the time he spoke out in an English newspaper, claiming black footballers feared playing at the New Den because of a race-hate culture among the supporters.

He told the Daily Mail he had endured the worst racist abuse of his career during the match and that black team-mate Richard Edghill had also been targeted by the crowd.

But he added: "My main grievance was about the danger City players were put in, regardless of colour. The pitch invasions got out of hand. Millwall tried to play it down by saying it was just kids being mischievous. But believe me it was more than that.

"The police and stewards did not seem to have any control.'' He urged the FA to at least threaten Millwall with ground closure, saying: "The problem has gone on too long and needs sorting out before a player from a visiting team ends up being seriously hurt.'' Shawn Goater