Three held as more violence erupt at West Ham match

Violence flared again at the London Stadium on Saturday (1 October) as West Ham took on newly-promoted Middlesbrough in the English Premier League. The Metropolitan police later confirmed three arrests had been made.

The trouble apparently began after the match in which West Ham, who have endured a disappointing start to the season, were held to a 1-1 draw. However, police also had to intervene during an incident inside the stadium, the Met confirmed.

After the match, police officers escorted Middlesbrough fans from the stadium while West Ham supporters were restrained. Three arrests were made as police confirmed two men were held on suspicion of affray while a third man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

A statement by West Ham reported by the Telegraph stated the club operates a "zero tolerance" policy on violence and branded the perpetrators "mindless."

The club said: "This behaviour has no place in football."

It is not the first time West Ham have been forced to issue a statement on their supporters' antics since the club moved to the London Stadium, their new ground this summer. Violence has been reported following three of the club's four Premier League home games.

Following unrest between West Ham and Watford fans, during a match which saw 10 fans ejected from the stadium, it was reported that persistent standing by some fans had contributed to the fracas. Club chairman David Gold later stated the club was working to resolving the issues.

Other fans reported inadequate stewarding in the new stadium, which was originally designated as the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. Following the trouble, the club said it would request a greater police presence at matches.

However, the Metropolitan police refused the request, stating issues with the radio coverage within the stadium. The Met said it had raised the technical glitch with the club in 2014 and negotiations around providing adequate radio coverage within the stadium was in progress.

Assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Peter Terry added: "The stadium operators are responsible for the safety and comfort of their customers and staff."

Earlier in the year it was reported that West Ham would pay just £2.5 million per annum for the stadium which at 60,000 capacity is almost double their old home, the Boleyn Ground. The rent paid by the club includes the cost of stewarding and ground maintenance.