West Ham issue lifetime bans to fans who invaded pitch and threw coins against Burnley

Co-owner David Sullivan was hit by a coin as directors were escorted out of the stadium

Captain Mark Noble dealt with one of the spectators who ran onto the pitch (Getty)

West Ham United have issued lifetime bans to the five individuals who invaded the pitch at the London Stadium and those who threw coins and other objects against Burnley earlier this month.

Scenes turned sour during the 3-0 defeat on 10 March as four separate pitch invasions and volatile protests aimed at West Ham’s owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, who were advised to leave their seats for their own safety, with the latter having been struck on his glasses by a coin.

West Ham said the spectators had “committed acts of severe violence and physical aggression” with the “intent to injure or harm” and expect to issue further bans as their investigation continues.

“West Ham United can confirm that swift and decisive action has been taken against a number of spectators who breached stadium regulations or were found to have committed acts of severe violence and physical aggression at our recent Premier League match against Burnley,” the club said in a statement.

“Lifetime bans from all West Ham United matches, both home and away, have today been issued to five individuals who crossed safety barriers to enter the field of play – a criminal offence that is a severe breach of stadium safety regulations - while a number of individuals have also been banned for life for violently throwing coins or objects with intent to injure or harm on the bridge directly in front of the Directors’ Box.

“Furthermore, a number of additional incidents, including attempted pitch incursions and acts of violence, are currently being investigated in collaboration with stadium operators LS185 and the police. The Club expect to issue further bans based on witness statements and the high quality CCTV footage available, prior to our next home match against Southampton on 31 March.

“West Ham United would like to reiterate that the safety and security of our supporters, players and staff remains our absolute priority at London Stadium. We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of violence that endangers the welfare of others, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all spectators.”

Captain Mark Noble wrestled the first pitch invader to the ground, defender James Collins ushered another two away and Burnley forward Ashley Barnes tripped over a fourth.

The fifth fan to enter the pitch attempted to plant a corner flag in the centre circle in a scene reminiscent of a fans' protest against the controversial Bond Scheme proposed by a previous West Ham board in 1992.