West Ham Versus Chelsea Clash Leads To Seven Arrests As Fans Throw Seats And Coins

'If they don't close the stadium someone will get killed there.'

Police arrested seven men after violent clashes broke out between West Ham and Chelsea fans at the former Olympic Stadium which saw fans launching seats and coins at each other.

Scotland Yard said the men were arrested for public order offences following the match at the London Stadium, in Stratford, east London, which West Ham won 2-1.

A further 30 people were issued with directions to disperse under antisocial behaviour legislation ahead of the EFL Cup match on Wednesday, the Met said.

Police arrested seven men after violence broke out when West Ham played Chelsea at the former Olympic Stadium on Wednesday; fans launched seats and coins at each other
Police arrested seven men after violence broke out when West Ham played Chelsea at the former Olympic Stadium on Wednesday; fans launched seats and coins at each other
Dan Mullan via Getty Images

One fan at the game told BBC Radio 5 live it “was an absolute nightmare”, adding: “If they don’t close that stadium someone will get killed there.”

Missiles including coins and seats were launched between rival fans as stewards struggled to maintain segregation behind the Hammers’ goal towards the end of the match. Despite this, there were no reports of any fans being injured.

The force said it deployed a “significant number” of officers in the stadium to deal with the “unacceptable” scenes at the derby match.

Police are also investigating 'a leaflet handed out before the match containing homophobic contents'
Police are also investigating 'a leaflet handed out before the match containing homophobic contents'
Catherine Ivill - AMA via Getty Images

It's kicking off in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand, with fans squaring up on the concourse. Stewards scrambling pic.twitter.com/WtBHrnW3In

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) October 26, 2016

West Ham United v Chelsea tonight #WHUFC #CFC pic.twitter.com/FrxaId7S7u

— FootballAwaydays (@Awaydays23) October 26, 2016

Trouble started in Sir Trevor Brooking lower after Chelsea fans threw a shower of coins & one Chelsea fan crossed segregation barrier pic.twitter.com/vY1RkYCVvF

— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) October 26, 2016

Further footage showing the fighting between the West Ham and Chelsea fans. #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/0Hu0zI1zuF

— Premier League Zone (@ThePLZone) October 26, 2016

Commander BJ Harrington, who led the operation, said: “Although the vast majority of people left the stadium peacefully and were well behaved, 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 the London Stadium partners as well as a large and robust policing operation, there were unacceptable incidents inside and outside the stadium, before, during and after the game.

“We have already made seven arrests and will work tirelessly to identify people involved and bring them to justice.”

Both teams condemned the clashes with a Chelsea spokesman saying the club was 'extremely disappointed'
Both teams condemned the clashes with a Chelsea spokesman saying the club was 'extremely disappointed'
Dan Mullan via Getty Images

Part of the police investigation will reportedly look at “a leaflet handed out before the match containing homophobic contents”, the Met has been quoted as saying.

The BBC reported that images circulated on social media before the game appeared to show a song sheet being distributed with homophobic lyrics aimed at Chelsea defender John Terry and striker Diego Costa.

The Met Police have opened an investigation after homophobic leaflets were distributed before West Ham’s match against Chelsea. #CFC pic.twitter.com/Fby9BpMHUC

— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) October 27, 2016

Both clubs issued statements condemning the skirmishes, the circumstances of which are under investigation by police.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic described the scenes as “unacceptable”, while the club “unreservedly” condemned those involved, who they will seek to identify.

Stewards struggled to maintain segregation behind the Hammers’ goal towards the end of the match; a Chelsea fan is pictured above breaching the police line
Stewards struggled to maintain segregation behind the Hammers’ goal towards the end of the match; a Chelsea fan is pictured above breaching the police line
Clive Rose via Getty Images

The club said: “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.”

The London Stadium has been West Ham’s home for nine games after leaving the Boleyn Ground in Upton Park in May.

A Chelsea spokesman said: “The club is extremely disappointed to see disturbances at the end of tonight’s game and we condemn such behaviour.”

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has also been quoted as saying: “I don’t really like to see these situations.”

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