EYE WITNESS

A visiting Chelsea supporter who alleges he was struck by a coin thrown by a West Ham fan at the former Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night has criticisedtheattemptedsegregation outside the ground.

The Football Association has launched an investigation into the violence which marred West Ham’s EFL Cup London derby win over Chelsea.

Police made seven arrests after skirmishes broke out towards the end of the Hammers’ impressive 2-1 fourthround win as police and stewards battled to maintain segregation behind the goal being defended by West Ham.

Coins, seats and other objects appeared to be thrown between rival supporters, with the Hammers and Chelsea condemning the unsavoury scenes which are now under investigation by the FA.

Steve Cutting claims he was hit by a coin thrown after Cheikhou Kouyate’s 11thminute goal.

Cutting, a Chelsea supporter for more than 40 years, said: “As soon as they scored there was abuse being hurled over and we were watching the game and all of a sudden I felt a massive thump on the side of my head, thinking it was a bottle or a stone.

“I put my hand up to my head and realised I’d been cut. I looked down and there were some coins, 50p and pound coins.”

Cutting does not believe the separation outside the ground was adequate.

“Coming out of the stadium

“Coming out of the stadium was a free for all. It was running battles again, groups of people fighting and trying to get to each other”

CHELSEA FAN STEVE CUTTING