The Metropolitan Police will flood south-east London with around 400 officers in riot gear ahead of Saturday's Championship-era rivalry clash between Millwall and West Ham United at The Den, as authorities look to prevent any repeat of past disorder between the two sets of supporters.
The fixture, kicking off at 12:30 on Saturday, 19 September, marks the first time the two London clubs have met since February 2012, when a Championship encounter at Upton Park saw West Ham triumph 2-1. That match, like several previous meetings between the clubs, was marred by crowd trouble, with the game halted three times due to pitch invasions and one man reportedly stabbed amid the chaos.
Given that troubled history, the Met has significantly scaled up its policing operation for this weekend's game, roughly quadrupling the usual number of officers assigned to matches of this nature. Although the deployed officers will be equipped with riot gear, they will not be carrying shields, and all have received specific training in handling public disorder situations.
In a statement posted on X, the Met Police outlined the measures being put in place: "On Saturday, 19 September at 12:30hrs, @MillwallFC face @WestHam at the Den – the first time the two clubs have met since 2012. We want fans to enjoy the match safely and have worked with both clubs to help this happen."
The force also reminded supporters that the Sporting Events Act 1985 remains in force, making it a criminal offence to enter or attempt to enter the stadium while intoxicated. Additionally, a Section 35 dispersal order has been authorised, granting police the power to remove anyone found to be causing or contributing to disorder within a designated zone surrounding the ground in south-east London.
To further reduce the risk of clashes between rival fans, transport arrangements have been carefully organised so that Millwall and West Ham supporters use separate stations on matchday. Visiting West Ham fans have been instructed to travel via South Bermondsey station, which has been designated as the official arrival point for away supporters.
Millwall have detailed the travel guidance for those making the trip. "Away supporters travelling to The Den should use South Bermondsey station, which is the designated station for visiting supporters on matchday," the club said. They added that the station is served by frequent trains from London Bridge, with the short journey taking just a few minutes, making London Bridge a convenient connecting point for fans arriving from other parts of London or further afield.
The club further explained the route into the stadium once supporters disembark: "From South Bermondsey, a walkway will take supporters directly to and from the away turnstiles. Please follow the instructions of police officers and stewards when arriving at the station and making your way towards the stadium."
Millwall also issued a firm warning that any away fans attempting to use alternative local stations would not be permitted entry to the ground via those routes. "Please note that away supporters using other local stations will be turned away and directed to South Bermondsey station," the club confirmed.
Despite the extensive security operation, there remains genuine anticipation surrounding the on-pitch action. Millwall have historically held the upper hand at home in this fixture, remaining unbeaten in their last five league meetings with West Ham at The Den, winning three and drawing two since a 1-0 defeat back in December 1988.
With both clubs cooperating with police to ensure a safe environment, attention now turns to whether Saturday's clash can pass without the disorder that has occasionally overshadowed this fixture in the past, while Millwall will hope their strong home record against their London rivals continues.
Based on reporting from Standard (football).