Police are going through CCTV after the after the West Ham-Millwall Carling Cup tie violence inside and outside Upton Park in east London.
The Football Association issued this statement – <br><br>“We absolutely condemn all of the disorder that has occurred at Upton Park this evening, both inside and outside of the ground.<br><br>“We will very quickly be working with all parties, including the Police and clubs to establish the facts surrounding tonight’s events. <br><br>“We expect all culprits to be banned from football for life – they have no place in our game."<br><br>Thirteen people were arrested following what the Met Police termed serious disorder inside and outside the ground on the night, 25 August. Chief Supt Steve Wisbey in charge of policing at the match said: "Police worked closely with West Ham Football Club, British Transport Police and the local authority to minimise disorder.<br><br>"Officers responded swiftly whilst missiles were being thrown as they tried to separate fans outside the ground after the match.<br><br>"Incidents of this nature at a match are thankfully rare, but it would appear that a small number of supporters were intent on causing a confrontation.<br><br>"We are committed to providing a safe and trouble free environment for fans who attend matches to support their teams. A team of dedicated police officers will be reviewing all the events that took place last night and will be looking at CCTV both inside and outside the ground to identify evidence of offences and offenders.<br><br>"We will proactively seek to obtain football- banning orders for those responsible so they will not be permitted in stadiums throughout the country or abroad."<br><br>There was no specific intelligence regarding a possible pitch invasion. Officers were deployed inside the stadium as a matter of course and responded in support of the stewards.<br>Fans were kept in the ground for a short while at the end of the match to allow them to disperse in a safe manner.<br><br>Anyone with information regarding disorder at before, during and after the match is asked to call the Violent Crime Unit at Plaistow police station on 020 8217 5851 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.<br><br>Independent reports on this link – <br><br>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/clear-response-needed-after-violent-football-clashes-1777372.html<br>Commenting after the clashes, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt of South Yorkshire Police, Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) lead on football policing said: “The television pictures we see from last night are an unwelcome reminder of violence that was once commonplace at grounds up and down the country; and partly for that reason they are all the more shocking. Every weekend millions of people attend games and enjoy football without incident. But football hooliganism is still a lingering menace, albeit among a small minority of supporters, and we will not tolerate it. <br><br>“Over the past 20 years the UK has made steady progress in eradicating the behaviour of those intent on engaging in football-related violence and disorder. Less than 10 per cent of those who are issued with banning orders re-offend, so this legislation is proven and effective and the service will continue to work with clubs and the Football Association to ensure it is used effectively. All genuine football fans will be concerned at last night’s scenes and the police service is determined to ensure that such events remain the exception to the positive experience enjoyed by the vast majority who follow football through a love of the game.”
