Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

West Ham news: Fan banned after crowd violence while Chelsea supporter given five-year banning order

Chelsea supporter Michael Parker, 51, received a five-year banning order and 27-year-old West Ham fan Nicholas Greenway was given a three-year banning order

Matt Slater
Friday 18 November 2016 15:08 GMT
Comments
West Ham fans clash with Chelsea supporters while stewards try to separate them
West Ham fans clash with Chelsea supporters while stewards try to separate them (Getty)

Two men have been given football banning orders for their part in the crowd trouble that marred West Ham's 2-1 EFL Cup win over Chelsea at the London Stadium last month.

Chelsea supporter Michael Parker, 51, received a five-year banning order after he was charged with threatening behaviour and 27-year-old West Ham fan Nicholas Greenway was given a three-year banning order for throwing a missile in the ground.

The banning orders were issued at Thames Magistrates' Court on November 11.

Metropolitan Police commander BJ Harrington said: "Although the vast majority of people who attended the match were well behaved, there were a minority who 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 will continue to work with our partners to tackle crime and disorder at the London Stadium and the banning orders are a part of this work.

"The banning orders for these two men will prevent them from causing more trouble at football events in future.

"We are working tirelessly to identify people involved and bring them to justice. Anyone with information or witnesses to the disorder is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101."

Plastic bottles, seats and coins were thrown during the match as hundreds of fans clashed in the stadium, forcing riot police to intervene.

West Ham v Chelsea: FA launch investigation into violent scenes

Seven arrests were made on the night and both clubs, the Football Association and English Football League promised a thorough investigation.

West Ham have been dogged by bouts of hooliganism ever since they moved to the centrepiece of the London Olympics this season, with serious crowd trouble also erupting in league games against Middlesbrough and Watford.


 Sections of the London Stadium descended into violence during West Ham's EFL clash with Chelsea 
 (Getty)

The visit of London rivals Chelsea was identified as a potential problem before the game and extra stewards and police were deployed, as well as an alcohol ban. But that did not prevent a hostile atmosphere that erupted into violence towards the end of the game.

Of those arrested after the game on October 26, one further supporter has been charged and awaits trial, while three others have been released on bail without charge.

West Ham have conducted their own inquiry and have banned an unspecified number of fans. This means they are blacklisted from the club's ticketing database and can no longer buy tickets for any West Ham game, home or away, while any season ticket holders have their tickets revoked.

The club had already banned 23 fans following disturbances earlier in the season. Press Association Sport understands that this figure has now grown significantly, with some banned until the end of the season and other more serious offenders banned indefinitely.

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