Football 'Disgrace' Investigated

Violence at last night's West Ham versus Millwall match has been branded a "disgrace to football".

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said the government would not tolerate a return to "the dark days of the 80s," which were marred by football hooliganism.

Police are now investigating TV footage of the trouble at the game, which spilled onto the streets around the West Ham stadium.

Hundreds of supporters were involved in the violence, which saw one 44-year-old taken to hospital with stab wounds.

Minister Sutcliffe said he backed any move by the Football Association to ban those identified participating in the trouble.

"The scenes last night were a disgrace to football," he said.

The riots, which are believed to have been organised, lasted for around five hours.

Over 200 police officers, along with a 20-strong mounted response, were deployed to the scene in east London.

At least 10 people were arrested, while many more lit fires, smashed windows and threw missiles at police lines.

The pitch inside the stadium was invaded three times.

At around 11pm several hundred West Ham supporters gathered to chant and throw objects at police and officials.

The FA condemned the disorder and added: "We will be working with all parties, the police and clubs, to establish the facts surrounding these events."

(PR/GK)