Chelsea is set to be allocated 5,200 tickets for its English Football League Cup visit to the London Stadium as West Ham braces itself "for the biggest security challenge yet" in its new home, according to Adam Crafton of the London DAILY MAIL. West Ham’s transition from Upton Park has been "fraught with crowd safety issues" this season. The club is facing its "first grudge match" at the London Stadium after being drawn against Chelsea in the fourth round of the EFL Cup a week on Wednesday. Under competition rules, away teams can claim up to 10% "of the stadium’s capacity to sell" to its own supporters. Chelsea requested its full allocation -- 5,700 tickets of the 57,000-capacity stadium -- but West Ham is "restricted to hosting 5,200 opposition fans because of infrastructure issues." The reduced allocation is "subject to Football League approval, which is expected to be granted at a meeting on Thursday." Chelsea has become "privately frustrated by the slow nature of the decision-making." Chelsea fans have been "unable to buy tickets and make plans for a match which is now less than a fortnight away, despite the two teams being drawn together three weeks ago." It "promises to be an anxious evening for all involved in the new stadium, with fears persisting over the safety of supporters." The problem is "compounded by the refusal of the Metropolitan Police to deploy officers inside the London Stadium due to the absence of the Airwave radio system that allows police to communicate safely within the ground." West Ham has "taken steps to reassure supporters of their safety" and the club will "try to avoid Chelsea fans buying seats in the home end" by only selling to people who have bought tickets from them in the last five years (DAILY MAIL, 10/12).
WARNING: REUTERS' Ian Rodricks reported Liverpool and ManU have "warned fans that they will be removed from Anfield and could face criminal charges" if found engaging in "offensive or discriminatory behavior" in Monday's Premier League clash. The English clubs were fined by UEFA earlier this year "over a variety of charges, including illicit chanting, during their Europa League last-16 tie in March." In a joint statement, the clubs said, "There is great rivalry between our fans and we ask all supporters to be respectful and help eradicate all forms of offensive and discriminatory behavior from the game. If any supporters are found to be engaged in any form of offensive or discriminatory behavior by stewards or via CCTV then they will be immediately removed from the stadium, risk arrest, prosecution and be reported in accordance with the club's ground regulations" (REUTERS, 10/13).
