West Ham threaten to issue life bans after crowd trouble mars Watford clash

 Crowd trouble overshadowed West Ham's match against Watford on Saturday 

West Ham have launched an investigation and promised immediate action after crowd trouble marred Saturday's 4-2 defeat by Watford at their new London Stadium home.

Stewards moved in to separate fighting rival fans during the second half, and there were also flare-ups, reportedly over persistent standing and general behaviour, in home supporter sections.

There were a number of ejections but no arrests or injuries were reported. A number of spectators took to social media to voice their disgust at the incidents. Ten individuals have already been banned following incidents in other games at the stadium this season.

The scenes were a severe embarrassment to West Ham, who moved from their long-standing Upton Park home to the former Olympic Stadium, which has a capacity of 60,000, in the summer.

West Ham's next home match is against Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup on Wednesday and a club official suggested that new security arrangements are likely to be in place then. The next home Premier League game is when Southampton visit on Sept 25.

West Ham issued a statement last night condemning the behaviour of those involved in Saturday's incidents.

"While these isolated incidents were quickly brought under control, this behaviour has no place in football and West Ham United will work tirelessly to eradicate such incidents," it read.
"We are currently undertaking an immediate full review with all stakeholders. This includes police, stadium landlord and operator LS185, who are responsible for appointing and managing stewards and security, to ensure we eradicate such incidents moving forward. 

West Ham could also face an FA investigation into Saturday's disturbances. West Ham supporters were under scrutiny after ugly scenes at the final match at Upton Park last May, when the Manchester United team coach was attacked as it arrived at the stadium.