Arrests made after crowd trouble mars West Ham’s win over Rapid Vienna

West Ham United v Rapid Vienna – UEFA Europa League – Group H – London Stadium
(Image credit: Mike Egerton)

Three fans were arrested following the crowd disturbances which marred West Ham’s Europa League win over Rapid Vienna.

Trouble flared after Declan Rice scored West Ham’s first goal when visiting fans, who had been goading the Hammers support since before kick-off, tried to climb over hoardings to get across to the home section.

West Ham United v Rapid Vienna – UEFA Europa League – Group H – London Stadium

Police had to separate opposing fans (Mike Egerton/PA)

Police and stewards managed to keep them at bay, but there were further skirmishes at the final whistle with plastic bottles thrown between rival fans.

The Metropolitan Police said: “There were three arrests; two for assault of an emergency services worker and one for possession of an offensive weapon.”

There was also an angry post-match altercation between supporter liaison staff from both clubs in the bowels of the stadium, with Rapid’s eventually being marched off the premises.

UEFA has said it will be studying the incidents during and after the match, as will the police in conjunction with West Ham.

Said Benrahma’s late goal wrapped up a 2-0 win for West Ham to leave them top of Group H after two matches.