Millwall and West Ham reignited their rivalry with the London foes facing off for the first time in 14 years on Saturday.
The Hammers – captained by Dani Dyer‘s footballer husband Jarrod Bowen – have entered hostile ground in South East London, with the team receiving a volatile reception as their bus arrived before kick off.
The Docker Derby is widely regarded as one of the nastiest rivalries in English football and the Met Police have acted accordingly to ensure the match passes off safely, with approximately 400 officers on duty for the game.
In the build-up to kick off, Millwall fans set the tone by booing and shouting at the Hammers as they arrived at The Den.
One fan could be heard yelling: ‘You f***ing n**heads’ as the team bus pulled in. Others shouted ‘f*** off’ and directed x-rated hand gestures at the coach. Inside the ground, fans of both teams hurled abuse at one another
On Friday night, police cracked down on an organised fight at The Carpenters Pub in Stratford – with Millwall fans filmed being apprehended by officers.
It is the first time in 14 years that the two sides have met, and Hammers boss Santo urged fans to refrain from violence ahead of kick off.
He said: ‘What we want most is that everything goes well, both fans supporting their teams and no conflict. We have people inside the club who are taking care of that. We have to focus on our tasks.’
More to follow.
Rival fans hurl abuse at one another as the atmosphere intensified before kick off
A Millwall fan is held back by a steward while pointing at a West Ham supporter on Saturday
Millwall fans shout and point at West Ham’s players during the warm up ahead of kick off
There was a large police presence inside The Den to help ensure the match passes safely
West Ham players received a hostile welcome from Millwall supporters on Saturday morning
A Millwall fan aims an x-rated hand gesture at West Ham’s bus as it arrived at The Den
