West Ham vs Tottenham: Police officer injured after rival fans throw pint glasses before kick-off

Three people have been arrested after West Ham and Tottenham fans clashed ahead of their Premier League game at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday night (2 March). A police officer received facial injuries after pint glasses were thrown by supporters of both teams prior to kick off in scenes witnesses described as being reminiscent of football violence seen in the 1980s.

Metropolitan Police said "appropriate and proportionate" action was taken ahead of the match between the two rival London clubs, with clashes expected between the fans ahead of the evening kick-off.

Footage from the scene shows mounted policeman attempting to control the crowd outside of the Upton Park Tube station close to the West Ham stadium, with the sound of glass being smashed in the background.

One witness, Matt Watts, ‏told the Evening Standard: "Bit like the 80s this evening. Not pleasant. A Spurs mob throwing bottles outside Upton Park Tube."

Prior to the game, West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan urged supporters to "act as ambassadors for our club" as the fixture has had a history of anti-social behaviour between the fans. They added in a statement: "Any fan acting inappropriately – including racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic behaviour – will be banned from attending future matches. It is vitally important that every West Ham United supporter attending the fixture remembers that they are acting as ambassadors for our club."

Police have confirmed three people were arrested following the incident, included a suspected West Ham fan on suspicion of possession of a made offensive weapon. A spokesperson said: "An appropriate and proportionate policing operation was in place for the West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur match on Wednesday, 2 March.

"Early in the operation, some proactive work by officers led to the arrest of a man (no further details, other than he is believed to be a West Ham supporter) on suspicion of possession of a made offensive weapon. he has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

"There were subsequent reports of anti-social behaviour by supporters, but no disorder. However, shortly before the game kicked off items were thrown, including pint glasses, by supporters of both teams. One police officer sustained a facial injury. There were no significant issues after the match. The total arrests for the operation where three; the offensive weapon arrest and two for affray and assault on police and (both remain in custody)."

West Ham went on the win the game 1-0 thanks to a Michail Antonio goal.