Chelsea and West Ham fans clashed at London Stadium last night, with one spectator warning that someone could get killed if nothing is done about the unrest.
Plastic bottles, seats and coins were hurled between rival fans, with a young child getting hit in the crossfire in the latest outbreak of disorder at West Ham’s new ground this season.
Rumours that homophobic leaflets were handed out before the game were also rife, with evidence of scripted chants appearing on social media.
West Ham Leaflet from last night ? pic.twitter.com/kon9jGeZPZ
— Kraljski (@kraljski) October 27, 2016
Twenty-three fans have already been banned since moving to the former Olympic Stadium, with four people arrested following disorder at the Premier League match against Middlesbrough on 1 October, while there were clashes in the stands during the defeat by Watford in September.
The Metropolitan Police described last night’s incidents as “unacceptable” and said 30 people were prevented from attending the match.
SHOCKING: Footage of the West Ham & Chelsea fans fighting and throwing seats at each other tonight. ? (? @Jayzinq)pic.twitter.com/Cp5H1cZ3el
— SPORF (@Sporf) October 26, 2016
Police commander BJ Harrington said: “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 a large and robust policing operation, there were unacceptable incidents inside and outside the stadium, before, during and after the game.”
Riot police called and Stratford left ‘like a bomb site’ after clashes between West Ham and Chelsea fans https://t.co/QEX3vqRfCY pic.twitter.com/zqMXeBGFw4
— Evening Standard (@standardnews) October 27, 2016