West Ham promise life bans for yobs
WEST HAM have vowed to impose life bans on fans found to be involved in violence that erupted during the club’s 4-2 defeat by Watford at the London Stadium yesterday.
And the club will also carry out a full security review of stewarding procedures after Hammers fans fought each other amid ugly scenes. They were also involved in minor scuffles with Watford supporters in the corner of Trevor Brooking Stand.
A club statement read: ‘West Ham unreservedly condemn the behaviour of the individuals involved in the incidents.
‘While these isolated incidents were quickly brought under control, this behaviour has no place in football and West Ham will work tirelessly to eradicate the incidents. We are undertaking an immediate full security review. Our policy remains one of zero tolerance. Once identified, offenders will be banned for life.’
It is understood that 10 people have already been banned in this campaign and had their season tickets rescinded.
Some fans were ejected yesterday after refusing to follow stewards’ instructions to sit down.
The club now employ security reviewers and have identified rowdy hot-spots that require additional attention. They also realise the neutral stewards’ buffer zone between rival fans needs strengthening.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic last night said: ‘They told me about it but I really didn’t see it.’
Hammers fans were caught on film fighting during the Europa League match against Astra Giurgiu and in May supporters ambushed the Manchester United team bus on the way to Upton Park.