West Ham vs Chelsea: Violent clashes break out between West Ham and Chelsea fans at the London Stadium
According to witness reports, coins and seats were thrown between rival fans within the ground
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Clashes between rival supporters marred West Ham's EFL Cup fourth round win over Chelsea at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.
In the final minutes of the game, skirmishes broke out between West Ham and Chelsea fans situated in the Sir Trevor Brooking end of the stadium as police and stewards battled to maintain segregation.
Despite security presence between the two sets of fans, seats and coins were thrown between the supporters. One Chelsea fan reportedly collapsed after being hit with a missile and required medical attention.
The trouble within the stadium itself lasted for a few minutes before the police restored order.
But despite the authorities' best efforts, the violence soon appeared to spill out beyond the ground itself, with reports suggesting that fights had broken out within the Olympic park itself.
Police officers were subsequently required to escort the visiting Chelsea fans from the ground to the nearby Statford station.
The violence was roundly condemned by both clubs and both managers soon after the final whistle.
Speaking after the game, Slaven Bilic said: “I noticed it as I was concentrated on the game that was on.
“I don’t know what happened, but whatever happened, whatever happened we are totally against it, as a club and a team.
“For those kind of things to happen, especially in England is unacceptable.”
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte echoed Bilic’s comments.
“I must be honest, I didn’t see the situation, because we were playing and I didn’t see it,” he stated. “I don’t like this type of situation, it’s important to see always the right atmosphere.
“In England we are used to see always the right atmosphere, it’s right to maintain this habit, because this country is fantastic on this aspect. I am sorry about this situation.”
Shortly after the match, the home club released a statement regarding the violence which read: “West Ham United and London Stadium partners unreservedly condemn the behaviour of individuals involved in incidents during this evening’s fixture with Chelsea.
“Whilst quickly brought under control, the Club, in line with its clear zero tolerance policy, will work closely with London Stadium 185, the Metropolitan Police Service and Chelsea to identify the individuals involved.
“London Stadium is fitted with a state of the art Panomera CCTV system which provides HD footage of every area of the ground and has led to the successful identification and subsequent banning of 23 individuals already this season.
“Once identified, those found to have acted improperly will be banned from attending any West Ham United fixtures for life and we will request the courts serve banning orders to prevent these individuals attending any other football.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments