Bottles and seats thrown as violent scenes overshadow West Ham's win over Chelsea

An investigation will be launched after fans of West Ham United and Chelsea clashed violently at full-time of their League Cup tie on Wednesday night.

Seats inside the new London Stadium were ripped out and thrown, bottles were hurled and one fan was photographed with blood pouring down his face after being allegedly struck by a coin.

In what is the latest in a series of violent incidents since West Ham moved to the London Stadium, the main trouble flared up in the final minutes of West Ham’s 2-1 win as rival fans gathered in the gangways. The West Ham stewards did try to keep the two sets of supporters separated but objects were hurled and there were reports of scuffles breaking out.

Police were also on hand for the first time this season inside the London Stadium. The Football Association, West Ham and the Metropolitan Police are all now likely to review how trouble still flared up even after weeks of planning for what was always regarded as a high risk fixture.   

West Ham had agreed to the unusual step of post-match fan segregation for the game, as well as a ban on alcohol sales in the mobile bars outside the stadium. Bars inside the stadium also closed at full-time when supporters were warned that a cordon would be in place either side of the away turnstile to avoid any clashes. Fans of both clubs had mixed freely before the match and, amid what was a heavy police presence, there were no initial reports of trouble.

West Ham are promising a zero tolerance approach to any fans that are now identified.

“All stadium partners are committed to a zero tolerance policy to anti-social behaviour, inside and outside the London Stadium and will not hesitate to take action,” said a spokesman. There have been a total of nine arrests outside the London Stadium so far this season but also 23 internal banning orders

3:14 PM