State of emergency declared ahead of major match
Ahead of the derby between Millwall and West Ham, which will be played after a 14-year hiatus, London police have implemented Section 35 powers to maintain public order.
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The Millwall-West Ham United derby, considered one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, will take the stage again after a 14-year hiatus. Police have increased security measures ahead of the match to be played in London.
Ahead of the derby, which will kick off at 14:30, London police have activated Section 35 powers for match day. Under this provision, police will be able to order individuals to leave the designated area if they believe they are committing a crime, disrupting public order, or engaging in anti-social behavior.
Section 35 powers can also prevent individuals removed from the area from returning to the same location for a certain period. Due to the rivalry, which is known for fan incidents, security forces are expected to be heavily present on the ground throughout match day.
100TH MEETING IN THE RIVALRY
Millwall and West Ham last faced each other in February 2012. In the 99 matches played between the two teams to date, Millwall has won 38 and West Ham has won 34. 27 matches ended in a draw.
The derby holds a unique place in English football history, not only for its on-field rivalry but also for the tension between fan groups. For this reason, the match to be played after 14 years has become one of the most closely followed games by the football public in the country.
The fierce rivalry between Millwall and West Ham has also been the subject of cinema. The 2005 film Green Street Hooligans focused on West Ham fan culture while also covering the tension experienced with Millwall.