The Metropolitan Police have launched for witnesses to come forward after a match official was subjected to homophobic abuse during the first half of Reading's visit to Millwall last Saturday. 

Mark Bowen confirmed after the game that both he and Millwall manager Gary Rowett were made aware of the incident during a break in play in the first half. 

The Royals boss, speaking after the game, said: "The referee said to me that it’s my job to make you aware that I’ve been informed there were homophobic chants on the far side.

“I don’t know who they were directed at, he was just told by the linesman on the fiar side there had been homophobic chants.

“It’s a shame and it’s probably happening too much not, but it is for Millwall to deal with.”

The police have confirmed that the abuse occured approximately half an hour into the game at The Den and is believed to have involved home fans located in the East Stand.

DC Phil Dickinson from the Met’s Public Order Crime Team, said: “We take any allegation of abuse very seriously and are investigating this matter.

"If anyone was at last Saturday’s game and witnessed the incident, or has video footage of it, I would urge them to come forward to assist us in our investigation.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide detectives with video footage is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Public Order Crime Team on 020 8246 9386.