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West Ham "launched an investigation and promised immediate action after crowd trouble marred Saturday's 4-2 defeat by Watford at their new London Stadium home," according to Ben Findon of the London TELEGRAPH. Stewards "moved in to separate fighting rival fans during the second half, and there were also flare-ups, reportedly over persistent standing and general behaviour, in home supporter sections." There "were a number of ejections but no arrests or injuries were reported." The scenes "were a severe embarrassment to West Ham," which moved from its long-standing Upton Park home to the former Olympic Stadium, which has a capacity of 60,000, in the summer. West Ham's next home match "is against Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup on Wednesday week and a club official suggested that new security arrangements are likely to be in place then." West Ham "issued a statement condemning" the behavior of those involved in Saturday's incidents. The statement said, "This behaviour has no place in football and West Ham United will work tirelessly to eradicate such incidents" (
TELEGRAPH, 9/10). The BBC reported the FA "is also expected to contact the Hammers about the events in the stands at their new London Stadium home." West Ham promised a "zero tolerance" approach to any fans found guilty and said they would be banned for life. The club said, "We will request courts serve banning orders to prevent these individuals attending any football" (
BBC, 9/11).
