West Ham Match Against Burnley Descends Into Chaos As Fans Storm Pitch, Police Investigating

200 supporters gathered around the director’s box.

Police are investigating allegations of assault after a Premier League football match descended into chaos on Saturday when fans stormed the pitch.

The Football Association has “strongly condemned” the crowd disturbances during West Ham’s match against Burnley this afternoon.

Scotland Yard has received two allegations of assault and West Ham said it has launched a “full and thorough investigation” into today’s events.

A Pitch invader is confronted by security during the Premier League match at the London Stadium.
A Pitch invader is confronted by security during the Premier League match at the London Stadium.
PA Wire/PA Images
West Ham United's Mark Noble clashes with a fan who has invaded the pitch.
West Ham United's Mark Noble clashes with a fan who has invaded the pitch.
Peter Cziborra / Reuters

During the match, which the Hammers lost 3-0, about 200 supporters gathered around the director’s box, hurling abuse at West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan.

Towards the end of the fixture, four separate invasions took place by individual home fans, police said.

The Hammers have vowed to take “decisive and appropriate action” after completing a “full and thorough investigation”.

FA action could follow, with a spokesperson saying in a tweet: “The FA strongly condemns the crowd disturbances seen today at West Ham United versus Burnley and will be seeking observations from West Ham as well as awaiting the match referee’s report.”

Police said that four separate invasions took place by West Ham fans.
Police said that four separate invasions took place by West Ham fans.
PA Wire/PA Images

Meanwhile, Burnley players were widely praised on social media for letting young West Ham fans sit on their seats during the disturbance.

The Premier League said in a statement: “It is essential that everybody who plays or attends a Premier League football match can do so safely.

“There is no place at any level of the game for what happened at the London Stadium today.

“While the official investigation of the incidents will be carried out by the Football Association, we will be asking our own questions of West Ham United about what happened this afternoon, especially to ensure similar events never reoccur.

“We would like to commend referee Lee Mason and his team of officials for their actions which, combined with the cooperation of players and coaching staff from both clubs, enabled the match to be completed.”

Police have received two allegations of assault during Saturday's West Ham match against Burnley.
Police have received two allegations of assault during Saturday's West Ham match against Burnley.
PA Wire/PA Images
A pitch invader is confronted by security during the Premier League match at the London Stadium.
A pitch invader is confronted by security during the Premier League match at the London Stadium.
PA Wire/PA Images
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