Friday 28 October 2016 11:38, UK
Arsene Wenger fears the midweek trouble at West Ham's London Stadium has set back the case for safe standing at Premier League stadiums.
The Hammers are threatening to identify and ban as many as 200 supporters after a flashpoint with visiting Chelsea fans during Wednesday night's EFL Cup tie.
Wenger maintains English football no longer has a problem with hooliganism, but the Arsenal boss is concerned such scenes play into the hands of those opposed to standing.
"I'm surprised even more than disappointed because West Ham is usually a strong fan base, very motivated, and we're not used to facing these kinds of problems in England anymore," he said.
"Personally I'm in favour of the resurgence of standing opportunities behind goals, and that is not a very good advert to come back to standing. Hopefully West Ham will get rid of the problem quickly."
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis told the club's Annual General Meeting this week Arsenal have "an open mind" on safe standing.
And Wenger said: "I feel the closest you are to the position of the player the more passionate you are.
"As well it would allow for lower prices because you could get more spectators inside, and maybe even a more passionate atmosphere.
"I think basically I don't believe there's a problem with hooliganism in England - I have heard it's about 200 people so you cannot say it's a general problem in the country."
