West Ham vs Watford: Hammers threaten to issue life bans after trouble mars London Stadium clash

An unspecified number of fans were ejected from the London Stadium after fights broke out

Duncan Bech
London Stadium
Sunday 11 September 2016 06:02 EDT
Comments
Violence flared up between supporters at the London Stadium
Violence flared up between supporters at the London Stadium (Getty)

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.

West Ham have warned they could hand life bans to any supporters found to have been involved in crowd trouble during Saturday's 4-2 Premier League defeat by Watford.

An unspecified number of fans were ejected from the London Stadium after fights broke out in the closing stages of the game, although the Met Police have stated there were no arrests.

West Ham supporters fought among themselves and clashed with stewards and Watford fans, in what was just the Hammers' second Premier League game at their new home.

"West Ham unreservedly condemn the behaviour of the individuals involved in incidents during today's fixture against Watford," read a statement released by the club.

"While these isolated incidents were quickly brought under control, this behaviour has no place in football and West Ham will work tirelessly to eradicate such incidents.

"We are currently undertaking an immediate full review with all stakeholders.

"This includes police, stadium landlord and operator LS185, who are responsible for appointing and managing stewards and security, to ensure we eradicate such incidents moving forward.

"Our policy on this behaviour remains one of zero tolerance and we will work with the police and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved.

"Once identified, they will be banned from attending any West Ham fixture for life and we will request the courts serve banning orders to prevent these individuals attending any football."

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was surprised to learn of the incidents.

"I've been told about it, and I asked what riot? I really didn't see anything," Bilic said.

"I knew that at 4-2 the stadium was not packed because people were starting to go home, but I didn't see anything so I can't give a comment on that."

PA.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in