West Ham and Millwall fans are set to cross paths on their journeys along the South Coast on Saturday – sparking concerns they may clash.
With domestic football back this weekend, police planners along the South Coast are bracing for a potentially volatile situation.
Two separate fixtures will see West Ham and Millwall fans heading to their away trips along the same train line.
West Ham face Bournemouth in the Premier League, while Millwall make the trip to Portsmouth.
With supporters from both London clubs expected to travel from Waterloo station, authorities fear the two arch rival fanbases may cause disorder.
It’s not the only storyline involving the authorities and football in the capital this weekend either, as police are set to use DNA spray tagging for the North London Derby on Sunday.
West Ham And Millwall Rivalry Steeped In History
The rivalry between West Ham and Millwall is one of London’s oldest.
Both clubs grew amid the backdrop of East London’s docklands, with a proud working-class history.
Less than eight miles separate the London Stadium from The Den, with the close proximity of both clubs fuelling their bitter rivalry.
Over the decades, that animosity has sometimes boiled over.
The most infamous recent example occurred in 2009, during a League Cup match at Upton Park.
Violence broke out before, during and after the match, with a pitch invasion and stabbing leaving 20 people injured.
The incident led to a major police investigation, and gained widespread attention.
London Waterloo Braced For Clashes
With the main train route from London along the South Coast starting at Waterloo, this weekend could pose problems.
West Ham and Millwall fans may have different destinations, but their shared starting point is a worry.
Police in London, including the British Transport Police (BTP) and Metropolitan Police, are reported to be on high alert.
Officers are preparing for a complex situation, with extra officers likely to be deployed to Waterloo.
Heightened Police Presence Expected As West Ham And Millwall Fans Mix
There is expected to be a heightened police presence at locations where Irons and Lions supporters might cross paths.
As well as Waterloo itself, the BTP is expected to station officers on trains heading to both fixtures.
There is also the possibility of South West Trains designating specific coaches or platform zones for each set of fans if they are on the same service.
Should any trouble occur, specially-trained officers are likely to be on standby and ready to wade in.
Old Football Firms Bring Back Violent Memories
The old rivalry between Millwall’s Bushwackers and West Ham’s ICF (Inner City Firm) has made meetings between the two clubs especially risky.
High-profile clashes between the pair are rare, with West Ham a league above Millwall.
But events such as this weekend’s shared travel route provides an opportunity for disorder.
However, the regular hooliganism of days gone by is largely a thing of the past.
Authorities are keen to stress they don’t believe violence is a certainty.
They are simply taking maximal precautions in order to maintain safety and public order for all involved.
West Ham’s game at Bournemouth will kick off at 15:00 on Saturday, as will Portsmouth Vs Millwall at Fratton Park.
