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West Ham unlikely to take control of London Stadium security - sources

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Fan hostility overshadows match at London Stadium (3:51)

Alison Bender and Peter Walton discuss the hostile environment that plagued the West Ham v Burnley match over the weekend. (3:51)

Responsibility for security at the London Stadium is unlikely to change hands despite the ugly scenes which marred West Ham's defeat by Burnley last Saturday.

Emergency meetings between stakeholders in the former Olympic stadium were taking place on Monday after pitch invasions and clashes between players and fans provoked widespread criticism.

But current operator London Stadium 185 is in the early stages of a 25-year contract to run the venue, and sources told ESPN FC that any move by the club to take control of matchday safety and security would be resisted.

That could leave West Ham frustrated after co-owner David Sullivan was struck in the face with a coin during the unrest and reports that he and other club officials have been unhappy with the level of security provided.

Decisions on alterations to safety and security are more complicated at West Ham than elsewhere in the Premier League because the club rents the stadium and therefore there are multiple stakeholders in it, including the London Mayor's office and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).

Newham Council, which is no longer a part-owner of the stadium, also remains the authority responsible for certifying the safety of the venue.

The view of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) will be critical to what happens for the next West Ham match at the stadium, against Southampton on March 31.

The group includes other interested parties such as the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London, and the Sports Ground Safety Authority as well as the stakeholders and Newham. And sources said it would not be rushed into decisions.

With tickets having already gone on sale, the chances of the game having to be played in front of a reduced capacity were said to be slim. But there is a great deal of pressure for action to be taken, as well as the possibility of punishment from the FA, which is monitoring developments and assessing the referee's report.

West Ham have made no further comment since promising an investigation and action on Saturday night, but mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the ugly scenes as "disgraceful" and Newham Council said it had launched its own inquiry.

The local authority, in a statement, said on Monday: "Newham Council is extremely concerned about the violent scenes witnessed during Saturday's match, and utterly condemn the actions of the small minority of troublemakers responsible.

"The council, along with the Sports Ground Safety Authority, is urgently reviewing the safety management plans and procedures and staffing of the stadium.

"The evidence gathered and the revised safety management plans will be discussed at an emergency Stadium SAG which includes the Metropolitan Police, E20 [stadium owners] and West Ham.

"The discussion at the SAG will assist the council before any decision is made regarding future sporting and other events."

LLDC also responded, saying in a statement: "Security arrangements for Saturday's game were in line with the requirements of the licensing authority and informed by Police advice.

"The vast majority of people attended and went home safely without incident. We will be working closely with the operator who will be conducting an urgent and forensic review."