FA, clubs and police probe London derby violence
Fans invaded the pitch on more than one occasion
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By Will Haine. |  |
Wednesday, 26, Aug 2009 10:00
By Will Haine and Alistair Potter
The Football Association has launched an investigation after a man was stabbed during large-scale violence that broke out between rival West Ham United and Millwall fans last night.
The two east London clubs met at Upton Park in the Carling Cup second round, but the fixture was marred by fights involving 'hundreds' of supporters before the game.
A 43-year-old man remains in a stable condition in hospital after being stabbed in the chest just before the game kicked off amid scenes reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s when a hooliganism element was rife in football.
And in a statement, the FA said it "absolutely condemns all of the disorder" and that an investigation involving both clubs and the police is already underway.
"We will very quickly be working with all parties, including the police and clubs to establish the facts surrounding the events," the statement said.
"We expect all culprits to be banned from football for life - they have no place in our game."
During the game itself, home supporters were involved in repeated pitch invasions after each goal in the 3-1 extra-time victory.
And in a similarly damning statement, West Ham United said they would "fully investigate the deplorable scenes" inside and outside the ground.
"The club will not tolerate the unacceptable behaviour witnessed inside the Boleyn Ground and will take the strongest possible action against anyone found responsible, including life bans," the club said.
"As was the case before, during and after the match, we are cooperating fully with the relevant agencies, including the police."
Equally, Millwall - whose fans were kept behind in the stadium after the game for their own safety - have condemned the clashes between supporters and police, saying it "marred [an] excellent Carling Cup tie".
"Any Millwall supporter identified as being involved in criminal activity relating to the events of August 25th will receive an indefinite ban from the club," the statement reads.
"At the same time, we would like to thank the vast majority of the 2,300 Lions fans at the ground for supporting the team in the appropriate manner.
"We trust that all aspects of planning and preparation for this match will be thoroughly investigated.
"We will assist fully the FA and other relevant authorities with their ongoing enquiries."
The trouble started at approximately 19:15 BST - 30 minutes before kick-off - with the Metropolitan police revealing their belief that the majority of the fights were pre-planned.
Eyewitnesses told inthenews.co.uk that there were bottles and bricks being thrown by both sets of fans.
Riot police reinforcements were called to help quell any disturbances after the match, with the operation continuing well into the night.
This morning, it has been confirmed that a total of 13 arrests were made and at least three injuries were reported - including a stabbing and an assault in a local pub, which resulted in both victims being taken to hospital.
Chief superintendent Steve Wisbey, who was in charge of policing the match, said: "Police worked closely with West Ham Football Club, British Transport police and the local authority to minimise disorder.
"Officers responded swiftly whilst missiles were being thrown as they tried to separate fans outside the ground after the match.
"Incidents of this nature at a match are thankfully rare, but it would appear that a small number of supporters were intent on causing a confrontation."
Chief supt Wisbey said a team of officers would be tasked with reviewing all the events that took place and that CCTV footage from inside and outside the stadium would be used to identify individuals and criminal offences taking place.
"We will proactively seek to obtain football banning orders for those responsible so they will not be permitted in stadiums throughout the country or abroad," he added.
Anyone with information regarding disorder at, before, during and after the match is asked to call the Violent Crime Unit at Plaistow police station on 0208 217 5851. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.