Police release images of 15 West Ham fans they want to speak to over London Stadium disorder
The 3-0 defeat against Burnley was marred by violent clashes between fans, the players and the club owners in the director's box
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Your support makes all the difference.Police are seeking 15 people believed to be West Ham fans in connection to the events that unfolded at the London Stadium during the Premier League defeat by Burnley two weeks ago.
Metropolitan Police issued a statement on Friday along with images of 14 men and one woman who they wish to speak to, and asked for members of the public to assist in identifying them.
The 3-0 defeat for David Moyes’ side triggered an angry reaction from large sections of the home support, with some fans running onto the pitch to confront the players as emotions boiled over. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who was sat in the directors’ box, was struck by a coin thrown from the home support, while protests against him and David Gold were chanted throughout the match.
Around 30 coins were believed to have been thrown at the 81-year-old, who was in tears as he left the game.
West Ham are also conducting an internal investigation into the incidents on the 10 March, which saw captain Mark Noble clash with one supporter after he ran onto the pitch to berate the players for their first-half performance.
"People have got to realise we are footballers and we are targets, but we have got to protect ourselves," Noble said after the defeat that leaves the club two points above the Premier League relegation zone in 17th place.
"Obviously there were a number of fans that got on the pitch and a lot of them were running over to where the chairmen were sat.
"But if someone approaches me personally, I'm going to protect myself, for sure."
Police has asked anyone with information about the 15 sought-after individuals to contact the Public Order investigation team on 020 8246 9386, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org, quoting the image reference number.
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