A man who stole a match ball from Millwall stadium during the game against Sheffield United has been cautioned for theft.

The football fan, who was with his young son, left the Den with the ball after it was kicked off the pitch during Saturday's match.

He was released from custody after accepting a caution for theft, police said.

After the match Lewisham MPS said on Twitter: "A male has been arrested for theft of the match ball @MillwallFC after it was kicked off & he took it out of the stadium."

They said the football club is fully supporting the police action.

Officers added: "This sort of behaviour is not acceptable at @MillwallFC what made it worse is that the man was with his young son."

News of the arrest caused a backlash on social media, with many criticising police who allegedly arrested the man infront of his child.

Matty James wrote: "Arresting a man in front of his son for that? Seriously? Let yourselves down there."

Connor Fawdry said: "Gotta be a joke? Happens every week at the Valley! Kid would of loved it but instead you arrest his dad?"

Lewisham MPS defended their actions, saying the alleged theft has an effect on the referee's report to the Football Association and efforts by Millwall to improve its reputation.