West Ham Faces Hostile Welcome from Millwall Ahead of Tense London Derby
Police on high alert as English football's historic rivalry reignites with increased security measures.
West Ham United players were met with a hostile reception from Millwall supporters as the two clubs prepared to face each other in a highly anticipated London derby. The match marks the return of one of English football's most intense rivalries, with the Championship leaders traveling to The Den to play against Alex Neil's team.
Approximately 400 officers from the Metropolitan Police were on duty for the game, with additional measures implemented to ensure safety. Despite the increased security, a hostile atmosphere was evident as the West Ham team bus arrived.
Some Millwall fans were heard shouting expletives and making offensive gestures towards the West Ham players as they entered the stadium. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions leading up to the derby, which has not been played for 14 years.
In the lead-up to the match, a separate incident on Friday night saw 26 arrests following a reported fight at The Carpenters pub in Stratford, a known haunt for West Ham supporters.