VIOLENT FANS FACING BANS

West Ham to take action over fight in stadium

WEST HAM have vowed to ban for life the fans involved in violence which compounded their exit from the Europa League against Astra Giurgiu on Thursday night.

A sickening video has emerged of two men confronting each other as London Stadium stewards stand watching, before one lands three blows to the other’s head while the match is being played.

West Ham have been working with police viewing CCTV and other footage to identify the men. Tensions rose as the hosts went behind in the two-legged tie just before half-time.

West Ham said in a statement: ‘This behaviour has no place in football and we will work with the police and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved. Once identified, they will be banned from attending any West Ham United fixture for life and we will request the courts serve a banning order to prevent them attending any football.’

Sportsmail understands one of the men — who is not a season-ticket holder — was arrested but has been released because the other supporter did not press charges.

The Metropolitan Police said: ‘Police were informed of a fight that took place inside the stadium during the West Ham v Astra Giurgiu match. A man was taken out of the stadium by stewards and arrested on suspicion of ABH (actual bodily harm). He was initially taken to hospital as a precaution.’

West Ham added: ‘With more than 10,000 under-16 season-ticket holders, we are a family-friendly club and our priority is maintaining an inclusive environment for all home and away supporters.’

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic defended fans who booed his side off the pitch, however, and urged his players to show more passion.

‘Of course the crowd had every reason to boo you if you are not playing good,’ said a frustrated Bilic, who could be missing up to 10 first-team players for tomorrow’s trip to Manchester City.