Millwall v West Ham: Met to flood south London with 400 police in riot gear amid fears of fan violence

The Met Police is to deploy 400 officers to try to stop violence erupting between rival fans at the Millwall v West Ham derby on Saturday.The police will be in riot gear, though without shields.They will all be trained to deal with public disorder.West Ham fans were escorted by police towards the stadium before the Championship match between West Ham and Millwall, at Upton Park in February 2012, the last time the two clubs faced each other GettyBut the force is roughly quadrupling the number of police for the game at The Den, Millwall’s ground in south east London.Ahead of the match, the Met posted on X: “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.“As with any fixture, the Sporting Events Act 1985 is in place, which means entering or attempting to enter a ground while intoxicated is strictly prohibited. “A Section 35 dispersal order will also be in place, allowing officers to remove anyone causing disorder. It will cover this area (below).”The area of south east London covered by the Met Police’s dispersal orderMet PoliceRival fans will be told to use specific Tube and rail stations on Saturday in an attempt to keep supporters of the two clubs apart.Violence has erupted at past games between Millwall and West Ham.One man was stabbed and the match itself was interrupted on three occasions by fans invading the pitch.Former West Ham boss Harry RedknappRead MoreThe match is the first league meeting between the two clubs since February 2012, when West Ham won 2-1 in the Championship. However, Millwall are unbeaten in five home league games against the Hammers, having won three and drawn two since a 1-0 defeat in December 1988. “Away supporters travelling to The Den should use South Bermondsey station, which is the designated station for visiting supporters on matchday,” the club explained.“South Bermondsey is served by regular trains from London Bridge, with the journey taking only a few minutes. “Supporters travelling from other parts of London or further afield can use London Bridge as a connecting point before taking a train to South Bermondsey.”Football fans outside The DenAFP/GettyThe club added: “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.“Please note that away supporters using other local stations will be turned away and directed to South Bermondsey station.”