Thursday 27 October 2016 18:11, UK
West Ham should play behind closed doors at the former Olympic Stadium if the violent scenes of Wednesday night's derby with Chelsea are repeated, an MP has said.
The Football Association has launched an investigation into the violence which marred West Ham's impressive 2-1 win over Chelsea in the EFL Cup fourth round.
Police made seven arrests after skirmishes broke out towards the end of the stadium's first London derby as police and stewards battled to maintain segregation behind the goal being defended by West Ham.
Coins, seats and other objects appeared to be thrown between rival supporters, with the Hammers and Chelsea condemning the unsavoury scenes which are now under investigation by the FA.
West Ham vowed to ban for life any perpetrators identified, while Chelsea have a history of taking the sternest available action on incidents of violence.
The Metropolitan Police added that antisocial behaviour legislation was utilised prior to the match to order 30 people to disperse.
Mark Field, vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary football group and Cities of London and Westminster Conservative MP, says preventing future disorder must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Field said in the London Evening Standard: "Within the next 14 days, the board of West Ham United FC should present a detailed plan to the FA and Premier League outlining what they are going to do about security.
"None of these problems were unforeseeable, given the nature of the stadium and difficulties with policing large footballing crowds.
"There have been some clear failings and they now need to move with urgency to deliver a plan about segregation and broader public order issues.
"If there is a repeat of the violence, the next two or three home games for West Ham should be played behind closed doors."
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch added: "No-one wants to see a return to the dark days of the late '70s and '80s.
"It is completely right that strong action is taken and that anyone involved in last night's trouble is banned for life."
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady on Thursday reinforced the club's tough stance, posting on Twitter: "Fantastic result last night. The team were exceptional and atmosphere electric. Shame that a few marred the occasion.
"West Ham and London Stadium have today been identifying all of them and we will be issuing banning orders.
"Football doesn't want these people and with over 55,000 supporters on our season ticket waiting list we certainly don't need them at West Ham."
