Violent West Ham‑Millwall derby forces extra‑time as fans clash at The Den

Comments Sport Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter 05:00, 19 Sep 2026 View 3 Images – Violence erupted between West Ham and Millwall supporters after the east London derby at The Den on Saturday, turning a first‑date outing into a night of turmoil.

Match drama before the disorder

Millwall’s Neil Harris gave the visitors the lead, but Junior Stanislas equalised late, prompting a pitch invasion by home fans. West Ham players pleaded for calm, yet the game was halted before extra‑time resumed.

Stannislas then struck again, and Zavon Harris added a third to secure the Hammers’ progression to the next round.

Violence and its aftermath

Police deployed heavily inside and outside the former Upton Park ground, yet 80 suspected individuals were arrested for pre‑ and post‑match violence and a Millwall fan suffered a chest stabbing before kick‑off.

The Football Association charged both clubs; West Ham received a £115,000 fine while Millwall were cleared. In response, West Ham banned at least 54 supporters for life from the venue.

Supporter Rick Galer, 36, recounted how the incident ruined his first date, recalling police presence at Upton Park station and a chaotic journey home that left his girlfriend’s father giving him the silent treatment.

All meetings between the clubs are historically tense; their Carling Cup second‑round tie 17 years ago also proved volatile, and this was the first east London clash in 14 years.

The two sides will meet again home and away this season in the Championship, with Millwall’s trip to the London Stadium slated for February 2027.