Skip to content

Karren Brady insists West Ham did all they could to prevent trouble

Brady maintains supporters 'never actually made contact with one another'
Image: Karren Brady says fans "never actually made contact with one another" in the stadium

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says the club did all they could to prevent trouble at their EFL Cup game with Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Police made six arrests after skirmishes broke out towards the end of the stadium's first London derby. Three of the six arrested have been charged, the Metropolitan Police said, while up to 200 people are facing banning orders.

Watch NOW TV
Watch NOW TV

Don't miss any of the drama on Sky Sports, for just £6.99. No contract

Police and stewards battled to maintain segregation behind one of the goals in the latter stages of the game as coins, seats and other objects appeared to be thrown between rival supporters.

The Hammers and Chelsea condemned the unsavoury scenes which are now under investigation by the Football Association - and swift and decisive action is promised after extensive CCTV footage has been reviewed.

Supporters of both sides confront each other and a seat is seen being thrown during the EFL Cup fourth round match between West Ham and Chelsea
Image: Supporters of both sides confronted each other - and the stewards

Brady said in her column for The Sun that the Hammers' pre-match planning was meticulous but they were undone by "completely unacceptable behaviour".

"Ahead of the game, as a club, we did everything in our power to restrict and minimise potential problems," she said.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The Football Association will formally investigate incidents in last night's game between West Ham and Chelsea.

"We worked tirelessly day and night with the safety and security teams at London Stadium and the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that every potential risk was assessed and prepared for.

Also See:

"Without question, we could have sold out the stadium twice over but the safety of our supporters is always our primary concern.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former West Ham defender Stuart Pearce says the blame lies with the fans

"And as a result we made the correct decision to impose strong restrictions on tickets, which were limited to supporters with a level of recorded purchase history - who could only access one ticket each.

"Other avoidance measures, such as the restriction of alcohol sales around the stadium, were taken.

There was a significant police presence inside and outside the London Stadium
Image: There was a significant police presence inside and outside the London Stadium on Wednesday

"While the line of segregation between both sets of supporters was never actually broken - and supporters never made contact with one another - the baying behaviour that we witnessed is completely unacceptable to everyone at West Ham United and Chelsea Football Club and we will be taking the most severe action possible against individuals involved."

Around Sky