An official of the West Ham soccer club today condemned the actions of fans involved in a brawl yesterday at the Columbus Crew match, but said the trip to
Columbus was a positive one for the British club.
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said the club was satisfied that "this was an isolated incident."
The incident, which began when about a dozen West Ham fans entered the Crew supporters section in the stadium’s northeast corner, ended when Columbus police made one arrest on the stadium concourse and helped security staff defuse the situation. No injuries were reported.
“While we take such matters seriously and utterly condemn the actions of those involved, we must not let this mar what has been a positive trip so far and the excellent way we and our supporters have been treated in Columbus," Duxbury said.
Crew general manager Mark McCullers would not comment on the matter today.
“It’s been our policy since the stadum opened that security matters are not going to be part of the public domain,” McCullers said. “It contradicts our ability to execute security plans, so we’ve got to stick with that.”
West Ham United beat the Columbus Crew 3-1.
Earlier story:
From the southeastern corner of Crew Stadium came the West Ham United chants: "East! East! East Lon-don!"
From the northeastern came the answer: "Co-lum-bus! Co-lum-bus!"
Yesterday's war of words turned physical at halftime of the Crew's exhibition match against West Ham, when a handful of West Ham fans ventured into the heart of the Crew's supporters section.
A scuffle broke out and stadium security quickly pulled the West Ham interlopers to the stadium concourse. The next few minutes were frantic.
While the West Ham fans were removed to a stair landing on the back side of the stadium, supporters of both teams gathered on the concourse. Several punches were thrown and one West Ham fan was thrown to the ground by security and handcuffed by police, who used pepper spray or mace to help break up the melee.
Police couldn't confirm the number of arrests and Crew vice president of operations Scott DeBolt said he would have no details "until I get a report, which might not be till (today)."
More fans were seen handcuffed in the parking lots after the game.
Shortly after halftime, West Ham fans unfurled a banner in the stadium's south end that read "ICF, 30 Years Undefeated."
The Inter City Firm, or ICF, is one of the most notorious hooligan groups in England.
Peter Witham, a fan of the English team Arsenal, said he was on his way to the restroom when he got hit with chemical irritant used by police.
"I've never experienced anything like that in my life and I've been going to English Premier League games for forever," he said.
One of the fans who entered the Crew's supporters section was not ejected despite being detained by security for several minutes.
"We just went over for some tea and crumpets and (the Crew fans) got mad," said the man, who identified himself as Dave Simpson from London.
