Violence and arrests mark the East London Derby

In the gloom of The Den, the chants of the supporters resonated as tension could be felt in the London air; Millwall and West Ham, two neighbours only six kilometres apart, measured themselves in a duel that ended 2-2, under the shadow of a rivalry that has marked England for decades.

Millwall and West Ham faced each other this Saturday at The Den and the match ended 2-2. The “Hammers” came back from 0-2 to level the score.

History of the East London Derby

The East London Derby, known as Docker's Derby, is one of the most fiercely contested duels in England. Millwall was founded in 1885 and West Ham in 1895, and their stadiums are only six kilometres apart, which has fueled the hostility.

Tension peaked in 1926, when a general strike left Millwall workers without support for the cause, leading West Ham to consider them traitors, inspiring the film ‘Hooligans’ (Green Street). Although the clubs rarely compete in the same division, this year both are playing in the Championship, forcing them to meet at least once more.

Security and Violence

The city of London increased security before the match, with several arrests of supporters from both teams. The atmosphere inside the stadium became extremely hostile, recalling violent episodes from the past.

Since its inception, the Derby has become a true battlefield, with episodes of violence that persist. Nothing new in the Docker's Derby, which continues to be synonymous with aggressive confrontations.

Steven Paston of Ap-LaPresse and journalist Marc Canosa covered the match, recalling that, fourteen years later, it remains one of the most violent matches in England. Their report highlights the continuity of the rivalry and the need for reinforced security measures.