Julian Dicks Recounts Vicious Abuse During Fierce Rivalry with Millwall
The West Ham legend shared graphic details of the hostility he faced from Millwall fans, including being hit by a brick.
West Ham United legend Julian Dicks has spoken candidly about the intense and often hostile encounters he experienced during his playing career against rivals Millwall. Dicks, a prominent figure for West Ham in the 1980s and 1990s, described the away matches at Millwall's ground, The Old Den, as particularly "horrible."
During one such match, Dicks recounted being hit by a "half a house brick" while going up for a corner. This vivid anecdote illustrates the extreme animosity directed at visiting players, particularly those from West Ham, during this fierce derby. The abuse wasn't limited to projectiles; Dicks also detailed the vile verbal abuse he endured, noting that even in his later years as a coach, he continued to face taunts from elderly fans.
The rivalry between West Ham and Millwall, though not a regular fixture in recent years, is one of English football's most notorious. The intensity of the matches, often characterized by a combative style of play and passionate, sometimes violent, fan behavior, has left a lasting impression on players like Dicks.
In a match in November 1992, tensions were visibly high between the two clubs.
Despite the harsh reception he received, Dicks' recollections also contain a touch of dark humor regarding the abuse. He noted that while the abuse was vile, some of it was also "hilarious," suggesting a resilience in his perspective.
Authorities have historically prepared for the potential for disorder when these two clubs meet. For the upcoming fixture, the Metropolitan Police are planning extensive security measures, deploying up to 400 officers to manage the game and ensure public safety around the stadium.
Dicks is also lending his support to the "Every Minute Matters" campaign, which is associated with Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation.
West Ham and Millwall are set to face each other this weekend for the first time in 14 years, reigniting one of English football's most intense rivalries. The legacy of these clashes, as highlighted by Dicks' experiences, underscores the deep-seated animosity that has long defined the encounters between these London clubs.