Officers investigating disorder at the West Ham v Manchester United match on Tuesday, 10 May, have issued images of four men they wish to identify.
Prior to the match, a small group of West Ham supporters began throwing objects including bottles at police officers and at the coach carrying the Manchester United squad.
Commander BJ Harrington of the Met’s Public Order team said:
“Behaviour of the kind we saw before Tuesday’s match is totally unacceptable. The vast majority of people were well-behaved, but we are looking to deal with a small minority of individuals who committed criminal acts.
“We are working closely with both clubs to bring these individuals to justice, and I would urge anyone who recognises the men in these pictures to contact police.
“This was always going to be a challenging match to police, with passions running high. Aware of those challenges, we had more officers on duty than is normal. I am proud of my officers who did a fantastic job in difficult circumstances and played their part in enabling those supporters who respected the occasion to enjoy what was an historic event.”
Police have so far arrested three men in connection with disorder both inside and outside the Boleyn Ground on 10 May.
Two men [A, aged 18; and B, aged 47] who were arrested for pitch incursion have been bailed to return on a date in late May.
A 20-year-old man [C] was arrested for affray – throwing bottles at police officers. He has been bailed to return on a date in August.
Anyone with any information should contact the Public Order investigation team on 020 7275 4569. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org quoting the image reference number.
