Do West Ham United have cause for concern after the latest pitch invasions during the League Cup defeat to Tottenham?
It is somewhat poignant that the latest incidents came as West Ham prepare to face Burnley at the London Stadium on Saturday, eight months on from the ugly protests which marred the same fixture last season.
The Mirror claim the Hammers are not expected to be sanctioned by the FA despite the fresh embarrassment of pitch invaders which twice saw the game against Spurs halted.
West Ham will issue life bans to those involved.
Should Hammers be concerned over potential behind-closed-doors punishment?
But The Mirror claim the FA will not punish the East Londoners because the overall security inside the former Olympic Stadium is the responsibility of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and subsidiary company LS185.
That contradicts a previous report following the disturbances against Burnley back in March, though.
According to well-placed West Ham journalist Ken Dyer in the Evening Standard back in March, West Ham were warned any repeat of crowd trouble would result in part or all of the London Stadium being shut to fans for future matches.
SAG warned West Ham over consequences of future incidents
The report stated that a meeting was held by the Safety Advisory Group in the aftermath of Burnley.
It included stadium operators, LS185, Newham Council, the Metropolitan Police, LLDC and the club.
As a result SAG warned West Ham that home matches would be closely monitored.
They also warned that any repeat of the disorder could see further action taken by Newham Council in its safety certifying role, including reducing capacity or playing matches behind closed doors.
Hammers hit by fan sanctions in recent past
Dyer’s report also stated: “The Football Association are investigating the trouble and also have the power to order a partial or full closure of the stadium.”
It would be a shame if the actions of a tiny minority spoil it for thousands of other fans.
The Hammers have seen sanctions imposed on their games in the recent past.
During the 2011/12 Championship season away supporters were banned from corresponding fixtures between the Irons and bitter rivals Millwall.
Ironically West Ham go to court to do battle with their landlords on November 19th.
This time it is over their right to use the full 66,000 capacity of the London Stadium.
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