Ben Chiwell: I was not scared of Millwall fans, insists Leicester full-back

Ben Chilwell insists it was “absolute rubbish” that he once refused to take throw-ins during a match because of abuse from rival supporters.

Chilwell was accused of bottling it in an astonishing claim by Millwall striker Steve Morison after the left-back had played in Leicester City’s surprise 1-0 FA Cup defeat by the League One side in February last year.

“It was a load of rubbish,” said Chilwell, who made his first England start against Croatia last week and is set to face Spain tonight due to injuries to Danny Rose and Luke Shaw.

Read more: Spain vs England: TV channel, live stream details, kick-off time, expected line-ups and odds

“I think one of the older players for Millwall maybe wanted to get at one of the young boys,” Chilwell, 21, added. “I’m not going to look into it. It is strange. But each to their own. If that’s what he wants to do, I’ll let him do that. I just focus on myself, on my performances.

“I heard about it from a few people. If that’s what someone wants to say, that’s up to them. I’m just focusing on my football, which is obviously playing for Leicester.”

‘Hostile’

At Millwall’s stadium there are areas where the touchline is very close to the home supporters.

Specifically picking out Chilwell, Morison, 35, said after the match: “It was a hostile atmosphere and it certainly affected their left-back. He started taking throw-ins but after a couple of bits of verbal from our fans early on he decided he didn’t want to take another one.

“I’m not being funny or anything but he said it was because his fingers were hurting.”

Leicester said Chilwell actually received treatment on his hand after the match.