
West
Ham should play behind closed doors at the former Olympic Stadium if the
violent scenes of Wednesday night's derby with Chelsea are repeated, an MP
has said.
The Football Association has launched an investigation into the violence
which marred West Ham's impressive 2-1 win over Chelsea in the EFL Cup
fourth round.
Police made seven arrests after skirmishes broke out towards the end of the
stadium's first London derby as police and stewards battled to maintain
segregation behind the goal being defended by West Ham.
Coins, seats and other objects appeared to be thrown between rival
supporters, with the Hammers and Chelsea condemning the unsavoury scenes
which are now under investigation by the FA.
West Ham vowed to ban for life any perpetrators identified, while Chelsea
have a history of taking the sternest available action on incidents of
violence.
The Metropolitan Police added that antisocial behaviour legislation was
utilised prior to the match to order 30 people to disperse.
Mark Field, vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary football group and
Cities of London and Westminster Conservative MP, says preventing future
disorder must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Field said in the London Evening Standard: "Within the next 14 days, the
board of West Ham United FC should present a detailed plan to the FA and
Premier League outlining what they are going to do about security.
"None of these problems were unforeseeable, given the nature of the stadium
and difficulties with policing large footballing crowds.
"There have been some clear failings and they now need to move with urgency
to deliver a plan about segregation and broader public order issues.
"If there is a repeat of the violence, the next two or three home games for
West Ham should be played behind closed doors."
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch added: "No-one wants to see a return to the
dark days of the late '70s and '80s.
"It is completely right that strong action is taken and that anyone involved
in last night's trouble is banned for life."
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady on Thursday reinforced the club's tough
stance, posting on Twitter: "Fantastic result last night. The team were
exceptional and atmosphere electric. Shame that a few marred the occasion.
"West Ham and London Stadium have today been identifying all of them and we
will be issuing banning orders.
"Football doesn't want these people and with over 55,000 supporters on our
season ticket waiting list we certainly don't need them at West Ham."