Bentley welcomes Millwall crowd jeers

The 28-year-old, currently on loan at Ewood Park from Tottenham, was jeered by the majority of Millwall supporters when the sides shared a drab 0-0 draw in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at the New Den.

But, instead of berating the Lions fans who spent most of the game abusing him, the former England international insists there is not enough crowd interaction at games any more.

"That is what football is all about - there should be more of that," he said.

"Every ground you go to should be like that - the fans fully involved and involved with the players.

"That is all part of it. At times we all get a little politically correct with all the palaver that is going on in society at the minute.

"I personally think the fans should be allowed to drink, to enjoy themselves and to abuse the players. Why not?

"The players will just take it like I have. It is like a pantomime and it should be like that. I think that is the way it should be.

"It makes it more exciting. Football can, at times, seem a little bit boring and people are paying big money to come and see the game so I see no problem in what they say - so long as they stay away from racism and homophobia."

Bentley is accustomed to being on the receiving end of opposing supporters' taunts - but can understand why.

When asked if he was happy to be the pantomime villain, he said: "Yes, exactly. And why not? It is enjoyable.

"I've been at Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham, so take your pick...

"When I played at Arsenal in the last round I only came on for 20 minutes but the crowd were all over me there. That is fun and I don't see no problem in that."

After a largely unhappy spell at White Hart Lane, Bentley is out of contract with Spurs in the summer and, after a stint on loan with Russian side FC Rostov, has returned for former club Blackburn for the remainder of the season.

Bentley is refusing to look beyond the end of the current campaign and will then make a decision regarding his future.

"I just think short term now," he said. "I spent too long thinking long term. I'm a bit older and wiser now, but whether that was brought upon me by other people or myself, that is just the way it is.

"I'm out of contract with Tottenham in the summer and I will re-evaluate what I do then, but at the minute I'm just enjoying playing. I spent a bit of time out not playing and it did my brain in.

"I was in Russia for a little bit and enjoyed my time out there. It was a different experience altogether and changed me as a person - it opened my eyes."

Millwall midfielder Jack Smith, meanwhile, believes the Lions have not missed their chance to set up a Wembley semi-final against Wigan despite failing to find a goal in the initial tie.

"I think we thought we did enough to win it," he said. "We think we might have missed the opportunity but we were the better team and hopefully we will be able to carry that on on Wednesday.

"As a team we looked more solid. After Tuesday (a 2-0 loss to Wolves) we needed a good start. We needed to get the fans on side. We had the chances. It just wasn't to be."

The replay will take place at Ewood Park on Wednesday, with the winners knowing they will be the last remaining representatives from the npower Football League.