Tuesday 13 September 2016 15:27, UK
West Ham have failed in their bid to have police inside the ground at their next home game following the trouble that marred Saturday's 4-2 defeat to Watford - because there is no satisfactory radio system installed at the London Stadium.
A statement from the club on Monday night confirmed 10 supporters were ejected from the stadium during the game, with nearly 100 complaints made over standing in seated areas and anti-social behaviour.
No arrests were made, but the club were adamant that stadium owners E20 guarantee a police presence when the Hammers take on Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup on September 21.
However, deputy assistant commissioner Peter Terry said the lack of a reliable radio system across the ground - an issue highlighted in 2014 - means the Metropolitan Police Service cannot provide extra policing.
Stadium operators LS185 expect that radio system to be in place in time for West Ham's next category C match, which is likely to be the derby against Arsenal in December, but Sky Sports News HQ understands there is frustration from the club that they are not allowed to run the security operation themselves.
"The stadium operators are responsible for the safety and comfort of their customers and staff. This includes disorderly behaviour that has not reached the level of criminality," said Terry.
"The Metropolitan Police Service will fulfill its legal responsibilities in relation to dealing with matters of criminality.
"The MPS is not able to provide Special Policing Services at this time as it would normally, as there is no satisfactory radio system across the ground.
"This issue was highlighted to the stadium operators in October 2014 and the MPS has been in negotiation with stadium operators regarding the provision of Airwave radio inside the stadium.
"During this time, the MPS had spoken to the stadium operators several times to highlight the consequences of not installing such a system.
"Until there is comprehensive Airwave radio coverage throughout the ground, officers will not be routinely deployed within it under a Special Services agreement. The stadium operators have only very recently agreed to install a satisfactory radio system."
E20 and LS185 have also issued a joint-statement defending their actions and insisting that infighting among the West Ham fans is the main problem for the stewards.
The statement read: "The safety of the stadium is paramount and all safety plans are agreed in advance by the police and if there were any significant concerns the stadium would not be licensed.
"Saturday's match was a Category A, low risk game and the police were based at the Park Headquarters throughout to monitor events at the stadium. They were deployed in the stadium when required, however the main pressure on the stewarding during the game was from infighting among the West Ham United fans.
"A decision to install Airwave was reached in March 2016. The procurement and installation is the responsibility of the police we have fully co-operated and will facilitate any access they require to carry this out."
