Hammers condemn brawl

'Isolated incident' leads to arrests

Last updated: 21st July 2008

Alan Curbishley West Ham pre-season

Curbishley: America tour

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West Ham United have condemned a fans brawl but insist it will not spoil their current tour of the United States and Canada.

Reports claimed punches were thrown when Hammers fans approached supporters of Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew at half-time during West Ham's 3-1 victory in Ohio.

But the club have said it was an "isolated incident" and it must not be allowed to mar what has been a positive trip for Alan Curbishley's squad.

Chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "We understand this was an isolated incident leading to one initial arrest that was quickly dealt with by security staff.

Positive trip

"While we take such matters seriously and utterly condemn the actions of those involved, we must not let this mar what has been a positive trip so far and the excellent way we and our supporters have been treated in Columbus.

"The match was a fitting warm-up for the MLS All-Star Game which we are proud to be involved in."

Columbus police and Ohio state patrol were called to the Crew Stadium at around 6.45pm on Sunday to calm the situation, with spokeswoman Sergeant Anne Ralston saying one West Ham fan was arrested after the game for a minor disorderly charge.