By Tim Parsons-
The London Stadium safety advisory group (SAG) said that excluding fans would be the “ultimate sanction” but that it would be implementing additional safety measures for West Ham’s next home game, against Southampton on March 31.
The committee met last night to discuss the scenes the ugly scenes which took place during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat, which saw four separate pitch invasions. In attendance were the stadium operators, LS185, Newham council, the Metropolitan Police, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the club, it was agreed there will be police inside the stadium for the next home match, against Southampton on March 31.
In one distasteful scene, a football fan grabbed the corner flag and another who had to be wrestled to the ground by Mark Noble – and hundreds of angry supporters gathering in front of the directors’ box.
The Hammers were badly defeated at home to Burnley, and supporters entered the field of play in a desperate bid to vent their anger at the club’s owners. The disturbing scenes depicted the ugly side of the football, when hooligans bring the beautiful sport to disrepute.
The London Stadium Safety advisory group found that staff admitted the scale of the disorder to have bee “unprecedented”, stating that ”staff had stopped most pitch incursions successfully”. Following the meeting yesterday of the Safety Advisory Group, which included the stadium operators, LS185, Newham council, the Metropolitan Police, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the club, it was agreed there will be police inside the stadium for the next home match, against Southampton on March 31.
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RESTRICTIONS
There will also be restrictions on the area in front of the directors’ box, a review of where fans can go and the stewards’ response teams will be strengthened. The group did not dispute that significantly larger police presence both inside and outside of the stadium, along with enhanced pitch security would be introduced for the next match to prevent a recurrence of the ugly scenes witnessed at Crystal Palace.
A spokesman for the group said: “The SAG has seen evidence that the level of disorder would have been difficult for any safety management team to contain.
“In addition, [stadium operators] LS185 and West Ham United have made great strides in identifying the troublemakers and have been very clear that those guilty of violent or aggravating conduct will be banned from the stadium. It is anticipated these stadium bans will be in place for the next home fixture against Southampton.”
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He added: “Following reassurances that have been given, it is the SAG’s view that the council does not need to use the ultimate sanction, which would see capacity reduced at the venue and spectators excluded. The remaining homes games will be closely monitored.
“The SAG must make clear that in the event of future disorder, it would seriously consider advising the certifying authority to take forward this sanction.
“Playing behind closed doors would be a great shame for the majority of fans who wish to watch and support their team in safety.”
West Ham said that the club welcomed the announcement of new security measures for the Southampton match.
The London Stadium is poised to host three more ties before the end of the season, against Stoke, Manchester City and Everton.
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