WHY THE POLICE CAN’T GO INSIDE LONDON STADIUM
Radio hitch keeps them out of West Ham games
POLICE may not be on duty for home games inside West Ham’s London Stadium until December because of a lack of radio coverage. West Ham have demanded that stadium owner E20 guarantee a police presence at future matches following crowd trouble during Saturday’s 4-2 Premier League defeat by Watford.
However, the Metropolitan Police said yesterday that additional policing measures could not be implemented because of the lack of the Airwave radio system, which is used by emergency services. They added that the problem was highlighted two years ago.
‘Until there is comprehensive Airwave radio coverage throughout the ground officers will not be routinely deployed within it,’ said deputy assistant commissioner Peter Terry. ‘The stadium operators (separate to the own-ners) have only very recently agreed to install a satisfactory radio system.’
Sportsmail understands that a deal was struck in May to introduce the system but it is highly unlikely that this will bee in place before December.
A number of fans were ejected from the ground after fights broke out in the closing stages of Saturday’s game, although police said there were no arrests.
West Ham, who moved from Upton Park into the converted Olympic Stadium for the start of the new season, say they have specified ‘ essential important improvements’ to increase the number of stewards and security staff, as well as the level of training and experience they have in dealing with Premier League matches.
According to the club, E20 has confirmed that immediate action is being taken, including a ‘more robust and secure line of segregation’ between home and away fans.
West Ham’s next home game is against Accrington in an EFL Cup tie a week today before they host Southampton in the Premier League four days later.
Police are present outside the ground but are called into the stadium to deal with extremely serious incidents.
A police spokesman added: ‘The Metropolitan Police are working with Airwave Solutions to ensure this work is completed as quickly as possible.’