Middlesbrough fans speak out about ‘absolutely terrifying’ West Ham fans following horror scenes outside the London Stadium on Saturday
Travelling supporters tell all about their experience in east London, claiming they had bottles and coins thrown at them
MIDDLESBROUGH fans have spoken of the 'absolutely terrifying' and 'chaotic' scenes at West Ham's London Stadium on Saturday, claiming the violence was completely unwarranted and out of control.
There have been a host of stories coming out of east London this season, with Hammers supporters copping the flak for a spate of violent incidents in and around the Olympic Park ground.
Following West Ham's 1-1 draw with Boro on Saturday, the north east side's fans claim they had bottles, coins and all manner of things launched in their direction - claiming one man was hospitalised after being hit on the head, as West Ham fans broke through a cordon.
One Middlesbrough supporter said: "[It was] Absolutely terrifying. [The] stewards and police [were] contradicting each other. My son was in tears."
Another added: "Where do I start, no sign of police until it was too late, fans fighting on the main road near the away end. Chaos!"
Incredibly, another Middlesbrough fan claimed Hammers supporters attempted to board a Boro fan bus - only to be pushed away by the driver - adding even children were getting involved in the violence.
He said: "West Ham fans jumped on our coach to kick off before the driver pushed them away. I saw kids getting punched. Shocking."
Another supporter said: "West Ham fans jumped the Boro fans, it was carnage."
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While another claimed: "[West Ham fans] cornered us all. [They] started punching anyone, parents who just took kids for a nice day out... A disgrace to football."
One fan at the game added: "They [West Ham fans] were waiting outside.
"Stewards had a cordon in place and they broke through and all hell broke loose."
Another said: "[We] had to dodge bottles after they scored.
"One hit an old man on the head in front of us. He had to be taken away for his injury."
This is not the first time this season the security at West Ham's new home has been called into question.
Earlier this season - in games against Watford and Bournemouth - fighting has broken out in the stands, calling the security at the Olympic Park ground into question.
The club itself have been pushing for a greater police presence in the ground, but the stadium operators would need to foot the bill... Something they are at present apprehensive to go ahead with.
Three men have been arrested following the clash outside of the London Stadium - two on suspicion of affray and a third on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.