"They're not who we are" ... Rotherham United manager Paul Warne condemns the pitch-invaders who stained today's Millers victory

As opponents Accrington Stanley were waiting to take a late penalty, two supporters jumped out of the North Stand and ran on to the playing surface at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

One of them made physical contact with Accies player Harry Pell was was about to try to score an equaliser from the spot.

Warne said: “I am hugely embarrassed. It's awful because I don't get to talk about how good we were at defending the box, how good the penalty save or how good are last-ditch defending was.

“I can only apologise on behalf of the club. I have apologised to all of Accrington's staff. We don't want it at this club. It's not who we are."

Stanley boss John Coleman claimed the contest should have been called off before Pell's kick was kept out by Josh Vickers.

“I have never seen anything like that in my life," he said. "I was expecting the game to be abandoned.

“It is one of those situations where Pelly is desperate to take the penalty because he has been assaulted. Was it the right thing to do? It's easy to be wise after the event. He hasn't meant to miss.

“I feel physically sick. I am beat and I have nothing more to offer. I am sure the authorities will do what they have to do.”

The EFL already looking into an incident at Crewe Alexandra a week ago when an assistant referee was hit by an object thrown by a Rotherham follower.

Prior to that, a Millers fan disrespected a minute's silence at Fleetwood Town and supporters fought among themselves after the final whistle.

Captain Richard Wood was sent off as he conceded the penalty against Accrington but ten-man Rotherham hung on for a triumph that stretches their advantage of second-placed Wigan Athletic who were without a league match this afternoon.

Dan Barlaser struck the game's only goal, a stunning second-half volley.

“After the penalty, we were hanging on for dear life," Warne said. "Those eight added minutes seemed to last forever. It's a really good three points against a really difficult team to play against.”

“We have played three games in a week and got nine points. It's not my players' fault what happened. They can only do what they have to do on the pitch. They take a lot of credit.

“I thought we were the better side and created the most chances. We just needed the second goal to make the game more comfortable."

Both of the invaders, one of whom was caught by Millers striker Michael Smith, were led away by stewards.