West Ham vs Millwall sees police handed particular energy as a whole bunch of cops referred to as in as violence fears develop
Around 400 officers dressed in riot gear will be rolling out ahead of West Ham’s clash with Millwall tomorrow, as the two bitter rivals face each other for the first time in 14 years
West Ham fans are escorted by police in 2004 outside of Millwall
Police have been handed ‘special powers’ ahead of the notorious clash between age-old footie rivals West Ham and Millwall tomorrow (September 19).
The Met Police is set to deploy 400 officers in an attempt to limit violence between the two sets of fans outside The Den in south east London. It’s the first time the two sides have clashed in 14 years, with “riot police” rolling out ahead of the 12.30pm kick-off.
Most Championship games see around 150 officers dealing with any issues, but the force is roughly quadrupling the number of plods for the match tomorrow.
The two clubs are bitter rivals (stock)
Ahead of the match, the Met posted on X: “On Saturday, 19 September at 12:30hrs, @MillwallFC face @WestHam at the Den – the first time the two clubs have met since 2012. We want fans to enjoy the match safely and have worked with both clubs to help this happen.
“As with any fixture, the Sporting Events Act 1985 is in place, which means entering or attempting to enter a ground while intoxicated is strictly prohibited. A Section 35 dispersal order will also be in place, allowing officers to remove anyone causing disorder. It will cover this area (below).”
Dispersal orders are usually in place for matches with bitter rivalries between fans, like Arsenal vs Spurs in the north London derby.
The two sides have not faced each other in 14 years
Rival supporters will be directed to use designated Tube and rail stations on Saturday in a bid to keep fans of both clubs separated. Hammers supporters will receive police escort from South Bermondsey station to the stadium.
Trouble has flared at previous encounters between Millwall and West Ham. Ex-West Ham manager Harry Redknapp called for the two sides to avoid each other in cup competitions following the Carling Cup clash between the London neighbours in 2009.
Fans are already trading insults on social media, while other Twitter users pointed out that “half of south London” is being locked down for the clashg.
