Updated
Updated · Evening Standard · Sep 18
Met Police Deploys 400 Officers for Millwall-West Ham Derby After 14-Year Gap
Updated
Updated · Evening Standard · Sep 18

Met Police Deploys 400 Officers for Millwall-West Ham Derby After 14-Year Gap

3 articles · Updated · Evening Standard · Sep 18

Summary

  • 400 Met officers — backed by dog units, mounted police and live facial-recognition cameras — will police Saturday’s Millwall-West Ham match at The Den, far above the usual 60 to 150 for Championship games.
  • Riot-trained officers will work the first meeting between the clubs since 2012 as police try to prevent clashes in a fixture long associated with fan violence.
  • South Bermondsey station has been designated for away supporters, who will be escorted to the ground; home fans could face station closures for up to an hour after the match.
  • The security plan reflects the derby’s history, including a 2009 cup tie marred by a stabbing and three pitch invasions, as West Ham return to the Championship after relegation.

Insights

With Welsh clubs reunited, will the push to end strict travel rules spark chaos or a new era of fan freedom?
Will outdated police tactics ruin the fierce passion of football's most notorious returning rivalries?