Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 7y

FA probing West Ham-Chelsea crowd disorder, police confirm seven arrests

The Football Association has launched an investigation into the violence which marred West Ham's 2-1 EFL Cup win over Chelsea on Wednesday, with the Metropolitan Police having confirmed it made seven arrests as a result of the crowd trouble.

Stewards and police in riot gear were forced to come between supporters squaring off in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand of the London Stadium in the final minutes of the first derby match to be held at the former Olympic venue, while plastic bottles and several chairs were thrown.

West Ham and Chelsea both condemned the ugly scenes after the game and pledged to work with police to review CCTV footage and take action against any of their supporters found to have participated in the incidents, while the home side could also face sanctions from the Football Association. 

According to The Guardian, West Ham plan to issue banning orders to about 200 fans, with those who threw objects at Chelsea supporters facing lifetime bans.

A police statement issued several hours after the match confirmed that seven men were arrested for public order offences and are in custody, while 30 people were issued with directions to disperse under antisocial behaviour legislation prior to kick-off.

Metropolitan Police commander BJ Harrington said: "Although the vast majority of people left the stadium peacefully and were well behaved, there were a minority of people who attended the match that were clearly intent on being involved in confrontation and violence.

"Despite extensive work with both clubs and the London Stadium partners as well as a large and robust policing operation, there were unacceptable incidents inside and outside the stadium, before, during and after the game.

"We welcome the condemnation from partners and have already started a postmatch investigation. We have already made seven arrests and will work tirelessly to identify people involved and bring them to justice."

West Ham ramped up their security measures ahead of a match widely anticipated to be a potential flashpoint, announcing that fans would face body searches at the turnstiles, alcohol restrictions, postmatch segregation and a "robust policing plan" aimed at minimising crowd trouble.

A heavy police presence was visible around the London Stadium ahead of kick-off and 1,000 stewards were also deployed to manage security, but the nature of the incidents has raised fresh questions about the venue's suitability and readiness for hosting high-profile and emotionally charged football matches.

MP Mark Field said West Ham should be forced to play behind closed doors following the violence.

"None of these problems were unforeseeable given the nature of the stadium and difficulties with policing large footballing crowds," the Tory said. "There have been some clear failings and they now need to move with urgency to deliver a plan about segregation and broader public order issues.

"If there is a repeat of the violence, the next two or three home games for West Ham should be played behind closed doors."

West Ham are also investigating and have promised to take the "strongest possible action" after flyers with graphic homophobic content were allegedly distributed at the game.

Chelsea captain John Terry was targeted in the flyers, which suggested lewd song lyrics be directed towards the former England captain.

A West Ham United spokesperson said: "West Ham United are completely and utterly committed to tackling all forms of discrimination in football. "Working with the Metropolitan Police Service, the club will be investigating the alleged distribution of these flyers, and will take the strongest possible action against those responsible."

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