West Ham-Chelsea violence could see 200 supporters banned

28 October 2016 07:38

Two hundred people face football banning orders following the violence at the former Olympic Stadium which marred West Ham's impressive EFL Cup win over Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Police made six arrests after skirmishes broke out towards the end of the stadium's first London derby. Three of the six arrested have been charged, the Metropolitan Police said.

Police and stewards battled to maintain segregation behind the goal being defended by West Ham as coins, seats and other objects appeared to be thrown between rival supporters.

The Hammers and Chelsea condemned the unsavoury scenes which are now under investigation by the Football Association - and swift and decisive action is being taken after the CCTV footage was pored over on Thursday.

"West Ham United and London Stadium are finalising the identification of 200 individuals who will receive stadium bans having been involved in incidents of disorder during West Ham's EFL cup victory over Chelsea," a joint statement read.

"Rapid progress has been made in the investigation with extensive CCTV footage being shared with West Ham United, London Stadium partners, the Metropolitan Police and Chelsea Football Club.

"Banning notifications will be issued for offences ranging from the use of abusive and offensive language to missile throwing. In line with our zero tolerance policy, all those involved will receive a seasonal or lifetime ban depending on the severity of the offence."

A spokesperson for stadium partners West Ham, E20 Stadium LLP and London Stadium 185 emphasised that the vast majority of supporters behaved "impeccably" and praised the response of the stewards to the disorder.

"A small number of individuals were intent on becoming involved in disorder and are being investigated, identified and banned from London Stadium as a matter of priority," the spokesperson said.

"The response of our safety and security teams was measured, fast and effective and we commend our stewarding and response personnel who were called to deal with several incidents of challenging behaviour."

West Ham are tenants of the stadium, managed by London Stadium 185 and owned by E20 Stadium LLP, a joint venture between the London Legacy Development Corporation and Newham Council specifically set up to transform and manage the stadium.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch earlier called for prompt action against the troublemakers.

She said: "No-one wants to see a return to the dark days of the late '70s and '80s.

"It is completely right that strong action is taken and that anyone involved in last night's trouble is banned for life."

Mark Field, vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary football group and Cities of London and Westminster Conservative MP, earlier said West Ham should play behind closed doors at the former Olympic Stadium if the violent scenes are repeated.

A spokesperson for London Stadium Safety Advisory Group described the security and safety operation at the 60,000-capacity arena, which is capped at 57,000 for football, as "robust".

The spokesperson added: "There are no plans to review the safety certificate or to reduce the stadium capacity."

Slaven Bilic on Wednesday night described the unsavoury scenes as unacceptable.

He was scheduled to hold his pre-match media conference on Friday morning ahead of Sunday's Premier League match at Everton.

The Hammers' next home match is against Stoke on November 5.

Source: PA