West Ham v Millwall: the hooligans are back

Ollie Irish

26th, August 2009

111 Comments

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Not this again.

A dark evening for English football began with fighting in the Upton Park area, even before the Carling Cup tie between West Ham and Millwall had kicked off. Then came an ugly chain of events to shame English football and dredge up memories of the 1970s and 1980s, when hooliganism was a real problem: a 44-year-old man was stabbed in the chest, West Ham “fans” invaded the pitch, twice, and the night concluded with several hundred Irons gathered outside their own stadium, “chanting and bombarding police with crates and bottle”. [@ BBC]

One Millwall fan told the BBC: “It was like a war zone outside the stadium. There was fighting all round. I brought my kids with me tonight and they’ve seen some violence that is indescribable.”

Who is really surprised that this horror show should involve West Ham and Millwall? In terms of violence on the terraces and outside grounds, both clubs’ supporters have a tainted history, although Millwall’s reputation is worse than West Ham’s.

We should pray that these scenes don’t act as a trigger for more violence at football matches. The authorities in this country have done a great deal to eradicate hooliganism and I shiver to think of it creeping back into the game.

The optimist in me says this is just one of those rare flashpoint fixtures that is not representative. Before last night, West Ham and Millwall hadn’t played each other for more than four years, so I suspect this aggro had been brewing for a long time.

After the game (West Ham won 3-1, not that it matters much) Gianfranco Zola spoke for many decent football fans:
“It’s certainly not good for football. I was completely shocked. Totally. I knew it was a game that meant a lot for the two sets of supporters but I didn’t imagine it like this.

“What can I say? I’m a sport man. I love the game. I love to go on the pitch and try to make it exciting for the supporters and enjoyable for everybody to watch. This was beyond my powers.

Franco is a great man and it’s sad to hear him speak like that.

Were you at the game? Were one set of fans more to blame than the other? Do let us know how you saw it.

Posted in West Ham Utd

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111 Comments

  1. Max says:

    I am from Exeter originally, moved to London over the summer, this was my first footbal game in the english league/cup.
    Well, it was certainly an experience. The thing I cannot understand is that these people really want to hurt each other when their teams meet, but when England play they are all the best of mates….?
    Best part of the match: One West Ham nutcase made a suicide mission across the pitch a dived (head first) into the Millwall area! Classic!

  2. Anonymous says:

    Kick West Ham out, don’t reinstate Millwall, just leave a void–The FA/FL must crack down on these W*******

  3. Village. says:

    You have to be of a certain age to appreciate the pure hatred between our clubs. Its all very well saying you hate spurs or arsenal or whoever,but it really doesnt come close to the emotions brought out when we face historicaly, our biggest foe. It goes far beyond football. Its tribal and its teritorial. I for one hate Milwall more than anything else. I,m not an emotional man but that scum just bring out the worst in me. If every one of them died last night I wouldnt skip a beat.

  4. David Allison says:

    You have to question Stanislas’ actions in running over towards the far corner where the fans were extremely restless – he surely noticed the commotion bubbling up long before that.

  5. Anonymous says:

    your all a bunch ov mincers who cant fight anyway!!!

  6. Anonymous says:

    your all a bunch ov mincers who cant fight anyway!!!

  7. Ollie says:

    I was going to mention Stanislas. His celebrations were mindless and inciteful but I think you can’t blame a player too much for losing his head after scoring a vital goal.

  8. David Allison says:

    And what a shame it took an emotional Jack Collison to put a bit of perspective back into occasion.
    @Village: I’m not sure it’s a certain age; it’s a mentality, clearly. You may hate each other, but why does this have to be to the extent of violenct behaviour? Taunt, sing, shout and exchange banter to your heart’s content; but enjoy it. You call the Millwall fans scum, but then close with a statement that lowers you to that scummy, lowest-of-the-low level at which you place your rival fans. It’s nonsense and cannot be justified on any level.

  9. Ollie says:

    Thanks anonymous. It’s idiots like you who can f**k off out of football. Your IP adress is now banned from commenting. Well done.

  10. Anonymous says:

    The problem is alot of these muppets watch films like Green St, Football Factory, Cass and read all the books of the hooligans from the past. Whilst I’m NOT saying these films and bools are to blame, I can see how some idiots would want to make a name for themselves by copying things from the past. Trouble is there are cameras everywhere and it’s not like the 80’s & 90’s when it was perhaps easier to get away with it. They need stiff prison sentences, life time banning orders and to get a life!

  11. Anonymous says:

    The problem is alot of these muppets watch films like Green St, Football Factory, Cass and read all the books of the hooligans from the past. Whilst I’m NOT saying these films and bools are to blame, I can see how some idiots would want to make a name for themselves by copying things from the past. Trouble is there are cameras everywhere and it’s not like the 80’s & 90’s when it was perhaps easier to get away with it. They need stiff prison sentences, life time banning orders and to get a life!

  12. Anonymous says:

    Football has become the modern man’s way of reaching back to the tribal warrior that is in us all, this urge to fight over territory and tribe is apart of who we are.
    Its outrageous that it happened in the ground were children and elderly people had to witness it, but it was going to and does happen all over the country every weekend.
    i just wonder if we could unite like this to build a better country for us all to live in &if these men so willing to fight would answer the call of our once great country if we went to war as in the first & second World Wars,
    I think not.
    A sad day for Football & for this Once Great country.

  13. Tim Sherwood says:

    Village. Your views pretty much sum up whats been wrong with the game for the last 30 years. My friend, it is not tribal. It is not war. The men and women fighting in iraq or anywhere else are at war. This is football. It is sad and pathetic and totally dillusional to describe your relationship with milwall as tribal. Please get a grip on reality. If Milll are the thing you hate more than anything else then you have probably had a pretty easy and likely dull life. Call me righteous but i hate things like, poverty and disease. You know the things that really matter. Its probably obvious by my name who it is i support. Yes im not fond of Arsenal. And yes i love to rub it in when we beat them. But as you said, if everyone of their fans died at White Hart Lane i WOULD skip a heart beat. Your obviously a young man in the mind and need to grow up an awful lot.

  14. Tim Sherwood says:

    Ollie. Not telling you how to do your job, but clearly it is people like ‘village’ who should be banned from commenting. Anyone who belives these actions are justified by history should no be allowed to pass comment on a sport they clearly have very little regard for.

  15. Charlotte says:

    Village – you are an absolute idiot. It’s people like you that are the scum bags. Football is only a game – football is my life, i love watching the games and supporting my team… But people like you must have very sad lives if it means THAT much to you that you want to go and kill or hurt someone because of a game.
    People like you need to grow up – i wish you would be banned from football games. There’s nothing wrong with banter, but when it comes to inflicting violence on others – it takes it far too far.
    People like you really do disgust me. Watching the scenes from the game made me feel sick last night. We’re all human beings, and some of the Millwall fans could be someone you know, someone who’s your friend, someone you work with and you wouldn’t even know. And you’ve just wished them dead. Congratulations – you’ve just shown yourself to be one of the most disgraceful, scummy idiots in the whole of English football.
    Get a life.

  16. Ollie says:

    @ Tim: Village is on the banned list too. Saying that you wouldn’t care if every Millwall fan dies is clearly the opinion of a vile “fan”.

  17. Tim Sherwood says:

    Well done ollie. I read your blog regularly but i try not to post regularly as it seems if anyone has ever played professional football, then their comments become gospel. And i really dont see the point in hiding behind an ‘anonymous’ name. I had a mild disagrement with Rob from off the post a while back as he seemed to think i had no right to comment becuase ‘what would i know about a fans persective of football’. But i do rate your blog highly. Along with the lads from the spoiler. I was in fact present at the studio during their altercation with Stan! most amusing.

  18. Village says:

    Ok Ok. I take on board your comments and maybe(surely), my post may have been over zelous. But the truth is that I really do detest Millwall above all other groups of fans . Yes you are correct there are a great many things in life more important than football but the point of the game for me is to forget about lifes woes and will you team to win. Escapism, Obsession. Quite probably. I shall rescind my comments about wishing all Millwall fans ill as I do appreciate that even amongst all the rubbish there are I,m sure some good people. Maybe. cough.

  19. Simon Winter says:

    How do you expect me to persuade my wife to let me take my kids to the football with me??? When people really do kill each other over a football match crazy!!!

  20. The Fa are to blame says:

    Being a West Ham fan I am fully aware of the hatred between these set of supporters. This isn’t the type of hate you get with Spur/Arsenal, Man Utd/City, Liverpool/Everton, this is serious stuff dating back over 100 years and anyone who knows their football would surely know that. When this fixture was announced it should have been declared at the time by the FA as a game to be played with no supporters present.
    The FA know the violent history between these fans yet they and the police played right into the hands of those who wanted nothing more than to cause a fight firstly by allowing the game to go ahead with supporters in attendance and then limiting the amount of support that Milwall could bring to just 1,500 leaving a massive overspill outside the ground.
    Perhaps next time these teams have to meet, the FA will take into account their history.

  21. Ollie says:

    Hmm, looks like my attempt to ban Village worked well. Since you apologised though, I will be reasonable and allow you to carry on commenting – any more crazy talk and you will be banned though.

  22. Peter Slater says:

    Well, I find it extremely naiv, when kids are taking to such a football game and also, if partners taking their pregnant women to a potentialy festifal of hooliganism. Every club got some trouble makers. I can’t help myself but Millwall has been hated by the FA and its refs. So Millwall hooligans defend their club and team and I’m living in Bristol and I am proud of wearing a Millwall shirt. How many times have Millwall fans been challenged by the Old Bill in this country just for wearing a Millwall shirt. Nevertheless I never would take my wife to such a game or if we have kids. Peter xxx

  23. Charlotte says:

    I was going to say thanks for retracting your comment, but you’re not really, are you? The ‘Maybe. cough.’ kinda shows that you’re not taking back the comment at all.
    Yes, forget all of life’s woes etc, but do you not think that resorting to violence is ridiculous? You are causing serious woes for those you are attacking, sometimes leading to ending their life? But that’s ok is it? Because you’re only ‘willing your team to win?’ I don’t know if you personally have been involved in football violence/hooliganism, but it seems that you’re supporting those that have been and continue to be – which, quite frankly is absolutely ridiculous.
    Some people must be very uneducated if violence is their answer to a game. Ridiculous. Football was supposed to be there for us to enjoy, and come together to support our team – not to cause harm to those who are supporting the opposition. And the West Ham fans that were coming onto the pitch and threatening the Millwall players?! I felt so sorry for the players, they do a fantastic job of training and playing their hardest every week for our enjoyment, (i’m talking about all teams, all players) and that should be recognised by nothing but praise… Not threats and violence.
    The fans are loyal, and come together to support their team and should not have to worry about going to a game in case they are injured/killed by another fan. There is absolutely no justification for any violence in football – it should just never happen.
    I know i’m probably seeming naive, but i’m right. There’s no excuse for violence as the result of a game. The people that do resort to violence, and especially those who resort to extreme violence don’t even deserve to be called human in my opinion.

  24. Ollie says:

    Cheers Tim and thanks for your support. Yep, the Stan v Spoiler was one to enjoy from the sidelines. Think Stan came off best, but then he is a big unit.

  25. neli g says:

    I must say, this is the sort of thing that makes me think twice about going to football games. The sort of response displayed by Village and Anonymous is similar to the Hillsborough, Heysel and Munich chants, that even as a Man United fan, I do not believe have a place in football. I find it deeply unsettling, this is a sport that is meant to be enjoyed passionately, but to this extent?

  26. Charlotte says:

    Thank you – to comment above me. Well said, absolutely right xx

  27. millman says:

    it’s all good fun.

  28. west ham noise says:

    You what? this should continue brings back the hardcore day’s. police out numbered and battered happy days.

  29. Tim Sherwood says:

    Yes Ollie he is a big unit indeed. But i’m sure he wont mind me saying that his way with words is less than accomplished. I thought Ed did a fine job of fighting his corner in the oppositions territory. Is Ed still with the spoiler?

  30. Charlotte says:

    West Ham Noise – complete idiot. Obviously have no brain

  31. Charlotte says:

    I can’t believe how vile some people really are.

  32. Robbo says:

    Blame the FA? Being played with no fans? Wud that have made a difference seeing as most of it happened outside??? Where do you draw the line? Both WHU and Mill have been to the FA cup final in the last decade. A cup final behind closed doors???
    Reality is, its never really gone away but the police have it, by and large, under control. Last night maybe they misjudged the intensity, not that its their fault.

  33. Ollie says:

    Yep, Ed still there, I believe. You worked with him before, I think? (In fact, I interviewed Stevie G for Icon last year! Dealt with Jamie on that one.) OK, enough back-slapping or people will tell us to get a room! COYS.

  34. Tim Sherwood says:

    Keep up the good work lad. GGTH

  35. Village says:

    Well Ollie, I hate to burst your bubble (so to speak), but my retraction came before I had seen your attempt to get me booted. I do however thank you for showing me some leniancy but unfortunately your trust in me will go unrewarded as I,m about to upset Charlotte.
    Charlotte, The maybe, cough remark was to show that it was actually hard for me to say. Not to say that I didnt mean my apology. just that it wasnt particularly easy.
    Yes I have been involved in football violence. Its very hard to follow a football team home and away for 30 years and not have to hold your hands up occasionally. It can be a tough world out there away from the kitchen and if threatened I will retaliate. I absolutely detest any assault on regular law abiding football fans and have on many occasions stepped in to stop trouble against fans of other clubs where it not warranted.
    Your comment about the Millwall players being threatened beats me. I may be wrong but I didnt see any physical threats towards any players. I shall review the footage and if I, wrong I,m sorry. Buti saw none.
    Anyhow, As i mentioned previously I am of a certain age which does contribute to my feelings of ill against millwall. This also allows me to hark back to the `good old days` when football was a mans game and `birds` were not wanted on the terraces. So on that note and knowing that after this I will surely get the golden boot I shall wish you all well.
    I would of course appreciate being able to reply to the obvious long and tiring reply to this post by Charlotte but I doubt that I will get the opportunity.
    Anyhow Charlotte luv. Aint you got no ironing to do. x

  36. West Ham Noise says:

    I do have a Brain i’m infact a leading director of a large food produce company. I enjoy dishing out good kickings here and there. Can also take them.

  37. Char says:

    Oh my! You have somehow even reached new depths of low. I happen to be a 19 year old girl, who has already made a success of myself. How pathetic are you to come up with the old sexist comment of a typically uneducated person who believes that all women do is ironing and cooking… How boring, and uninventive.
    Although, i’m actually glad you replied like that – makes me feel better about myself that i’m so much more mature than you, and manage to live my life as a decent person. Now everyone can see how unintelligent and sad you are through the way you talk!
    As for your women, sorry ‘birds’ comment about how they shouldn’t follow football – i believe i’m a more dedicated fan than you, and believe i would be appreciated more by my team and fans as i support and follow the PLAYERS and the SIDE, not going along to games and involving myself in mindless violence.
    Also, about you stepping in to stop violence where it ‘wasn’t warranted,’ that’s ridiculous… No one is going to praise you now, and especially as NO violence is appropriate or justifyable in football. You seem like a mindless thug, which football could do without.
    Football should be for decent people to follow and enjoy, not for scum bags like you. Age is no excuse for hatred of a team, things always happen in the past but that doesn’t excuse people like you from wishing other people dead, and trying to inflict pain/harm on them.
    You are absolutely ridiculous.. and everyone on this forum can now see that. Well done, you’ve shown yourself to be a vile person – bet you’re so proud!!

  38. Charlotte says:

    As for West Ham Noise – i find it disgraceful that when so many talented and good people are out of work that someone like you is leading director of a company.
    ‘I enjoy giving out good kickings’ just shows how scummy, low and disgusting you are. You make me feel sick. People like you should be in prison, not leading directors of companies. Eugh.

  39. Village says:

    And dont forget to starch the collars.

  40. Charlotte says:

    You are an absolute fool. Get a life.

  41. Peter says:

    Village – what a despicable piece of shit you really are, not only do you condone violence and murder over a game but you also fire derogratory comments at other people on here. If you clearly think that dying at a football match is a great way to die then you really do have a pathetic life. Surely, you must agree, that life is too precious to lose it at a stupid football match. You and all your friends and everyone else like you should be banned for life at football matches, their are people, as we speak, dying in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, but you clearly think that dying at a football match is just as neccecery. I would never wish death on anyone even if I truly did hate them and certiainly not if they were a fan of my rival football team.

  42. West Ham Noise. says:

    I work very hard. I’am well educated, can not deny me my position. I know of several people in high profile jobs who enjoy a good scrap. Milwall fans beware!

  43. Peter says:

    Well said Charlotte, what immature losers these people are,

  44. Peter says:

    West Ham Noise – are you really in charge of a company because if you are then they will probably go bust with you in charge you pathetic loser.

  45. Charlotte says:

    Peter, so pleased to read your comment – has restored a bit of faith in the human race – so glad there are some decent people like you around. People like ‘West Ham Noise’ and ‘Village’ just cast shadows on the decent people. They really are despicable (can’t even bring myself to call them humans – they aren’t.)
    Thank you xx

  46. andy says:

    this is a joke, i’m a west ham fan myself and go to many many games, i’ve been tottenham, chelsea, many many away games and have seen nothing of the violence last night. the running on the pitch should of been saved till the final whistle. the media are going way to over the top with this now, this is the first time we had met eachother in 5 years and to say that this is going to be a trend is a joke.
    this below is a comment written by a millwall fan on the icf forum.
    “hahah – f*ck me, 14 tickets in the home end. You west h*m c*nts are gonna get slapped.”
    reply
    “oh no not all 14 of u best i stay home ha”
    these idiots had the intention to come on the tube just for a kick off if they didn’t turn up for a fight then you would see on your video’s that the millwall fans would of turned right at the queens pub straight towards the boleyn ground. yet while the riot police push the west ham fans back they decided to just stand there chanting and giving gestures, they stabbed a west ham fan and its the west ham fans that are given a bad name.
    i’m goin blackburn away next week and i gaurentee that you won’t see any west ham fans kicking off. the firm business died down in the late 80’s and early 90’s, now its just wanabee fans trying to get their club/playgroup on the next football firm movie.
    west ham till i die

  47. West Ham Noise says:

    Indeed.We performing v. well. I have a proven record in reaching challenging targets and improving productivity. I like to fight whats the problem? I don’t assualt innocent people. Fight people who want to be involved. Wheres the harm? nothing like a sound of chavski fan jaw cracking.

  48. WHPATRON says:

    Village has me in histerics! lol

  49. West Ham Noise says:

    Indeed.We performing v. well. I have a proven record in reaching challenging targets and improving productivity. I like to fight whats the problem? I don’t assualt innocent people. Fight people who want to be involved. Wheres the harm? nothing like a sound of chavski fan jaw cracking.

  50. West Ham Noise says:

    Football violence should suffice

  51. Charlotte says:

    I completely accept that it wasn’t just West Ham fans that were the problem last night, i know Millwall fans are no angels. But i’m afraid the video evidence and police statements do show that the majority of the problems were caused by West Ham fans – they are the ones who ran onto the pitch… I know a West Ham fan was stabbed and i think that is truly shocking and awful – i hope he’s ok, and hope he recovers well, honestly i do.
    I do also believe that West Ham have been shown in a bad light, and i think this is largely because of the amount of their fans that they were able to be mainly responsible for the violence and trouble. I think that if it was 50/50 fans or if there were a similar amount of West Ham to Millwall fans, i think there would be more blame on the Millwall supporters too…
    Either way, the events of last night were completely unneccessary, and should not have happened at all. They have cast a dark shadow on football and both clubs, and hopefully there will not be a repeat of this.
    My thoughts go out to everyone who was injured last night, and all of their families and friends. Hopefully the reaction and large-scale media representation of the events will help people to see that it should not happen again… Although people like ‘West Ham Noise’ and ‘Village’ appear to be casting a doubt in my mind that they will see not to do this again… =( xx

  52. Charlotte says:

    I completely accept that it wasn’t just West Ham fans that were the problem last night, i know Millwall fans are no angels. But i’m afraid the video evidence and police statements do show that the majority of the problems were caused by West Ham fans – they are the ones who ran onto the pitch… I know a West Ham fan was stabbed and i think that is truly shocking and awful – i hope he’s ok, and hope he recovers well, honestly i do.
    I do also believe that West Ham have been shown in a bad light, and i think this is largely because of the amount of their fans that they were able to be mainly responsible for the violence and trouble. I think that if it was 50/50 fans or if there were a similar amount of West Ham to Millwall fans, i think there would be more blame on the Millwall supporters too…
    Either way, the events of last night were completely unneccessary, and should not have happened at all. They have cast a dark shadow on football and both clubs, and hopefully there will not be a repeat of this.
    My thoughts go out to everyone who was injured last night, and all of their families and friends. Hopefully the reaction and large-scale media representation of the events will help people to see that it should not happen again… Although people like ‘West Ham Noise’ and ‘Village’ appear to be casting a doubt in my mind that they will see not to do this again… =( xx

  53. David Allison says:

    “Wheres the harm?”
    Because West Ham Noise (and I’m really not sure why I’m bothering) the actual fans of both teams don’t want to witness violence – if you want to fight, invite them round to your gaff and have it out in the garden. Fighting affects your club that you claim to support and can cost them points, money and their place in competitions. This then affects the players as they cannot achieve the goals of themselves, their team or their fans. Furthermore, and in an extreme situation, the fans may not be able to attend future fixtures due matches behind closed doors.
    “Where’s the harm?” – right there, you utter cretin…

  54. Charlotte says:

    Well said, David – couldn’t agree more xx

  55. Charlotte says:

    Well said David, couldn’t agree more xx

  56. Peter says:

    Village and West Ham Noise – I had a feeling that youmight say that as people like you ruin football’s good name and you ruin what can be a good day out. As if mothers and fathers who are with their children want to see you fighting over a supposed “history”. What I can’t understand is why you can’t get along and what the fighting was about. If you think the sound of hitting people for no reason is fine and a good sport then good for you but I hope you learn that there is more to life than pathetic fighting.
    I will not rise to you by threatening you but I will simply say that I feel sorry for you if this is the way you behave in real life.

  57. Charlotte says:

    I just think it’s such a shame that all of this ridiculous behaviour has over shadowed what was actually a good game… Well done to all of the players and true fans xx

  58. Anonymous says:

    Keep it going Charlotte, I am starting to think West Ham noise isn’t for real as nobody is that f**kin idiotic……… are they??

  59. Charlotte says:

    I’m hoping not – very sad if there are people that vile around xx
    And thank you xx

  60. Charlotte says:

    I’m hoping not – very sad if there are people that vile around xx
    And thank you xx

  61. Anonymous says:

    Keep it going Charlotte, I am starting to think West Ham noise isn’t for real as nobody is that f**kin idiotic……… are they??

  62. ryan says:

    fuck the lot of u millwall are the best west ham are shit but at the end of the fucking day u all loved what happen last night

  63. Anonymous says:

    WHY DO YOU THINK WE SING ‘NO ONE LIKES US WE DON’T CARE?’BECAUSE EVERY1 BE IT O.B OR RIVAL SUPPORTERS HATES MILLWALL AND WE LOVE IT!!

  64. Anonymous says:

    The notion that West Ham fans were not as bad as the media made out is fucking stupid, i am a true spurs fan and for some silly reason thought it would be fine to wear my spurs shirt to upton park on sunday!!……Not fine as i walked past the pub (same one as can be seen in background of most media footage)i was subject to vile abuse and was even spate at!!! Im just an ordinary supporter and to be subjected to this makes me feel sick, These blokes think they are real men and even heroes but to spite at someone has got to be the most cowardly act there is!!!!
    P.S pete and charlotte………get a room !!!!

  65. Anonymous says:

    End of the day people the Spanners are fucking PIKEYS……What do you expect from a load of pricks living on the bread line with jobs selling fucking ransid jellied eels !!!! And no im not Millwall….their inbred cunts too !!

  66. Anonymous says:

    Village. | August 26, 2009 9:45 AM | Reply
    You have to be of a certain age to appreciate the pure hatred between our clubs. Its all very well saying you hate spurs or arsenal or whoever,but it really doesnt come close to the emotions brought out when we face historicaly, our biggest foe. It goes far beyond football. Its tribal and its teritorial. I for one hate Milwall more than anything else. I,m not an emotional man but that scum just bring out the worst in me. If every one of them died last night I wouldnt skip a beat.
    ———-
    like it or not ..
    this lad just sum it all up

  67. Anonymous says:

    Village. | August 26, 2009 9:45 AM | Reply
    You have to be of a certain age to appreciate the pure hatred between our clubs. Its all very well saying you hate spurs or arsenal or whoever,but it really doesnt come close to the emotions brought out when we face historicaly, our biggest foe. It goes far beyond football. Its tribal and its teritorial. I for one hate Milwall more than anything else. I,m not an emotional man but that scum just bring out the worst in me. If every one of them died last night I wouldnt skip a beat.
    ———-
    like it or not ..
    this lad just sum it all up

  68. Anonymous says:

    Like it or not…
    this lad just sum it all up
    ————
    Like it or not I think you are pathetic and should get a life. Or a least get your life in perspective. If thousands of people died tonight I would certainly skip I beat. I would actually care about other people dying even if I don’t know them. I’m sure people would care if you died. Anway maybe you should learn to spell and get a fucking life.

  69. Peter says:

    Like it or not…
    this lad just sum it all up
    ————
    Like it or not I think you are pathetic and should get a life. Or a least get your life in perspective. If thousands of people died tonight I would certainly skip I beat. I would actually care about other people dying even if I don’t know them. I’m sure people would care if you died. Anway maybe you should learn to spell and get a fucking life.

  70. Anonymous says:

    ollie please ban west ham noise and especially village. they r the scum of the earth and hav sick minds. the violence was not a surprise to me due to millwall fans reputation but it is still disgraceful and both clubs should be forced to play the next few games behind closed doors. p.s i am scottish so i am completely nuetral

  71. Millwall Al says:

    I have seen all the comments, but Village and Noise you really are a joke! both of you were proberly at the back throwing stones.
    I hope both of you got a good kicking,i bet you don`t even know were South London you pair of girls?
    But if you do and we meet again let hope its at our place!
    Millwall still Number 1

  72. Anonymous says:

    p.s i am scottish so i am completely nuetral.
    And it also disqualifies you from commenting on football related matters. Toddle of Donald. You`ve forgotton your trousers.

  73. Village says:

    p.s i am scottish so i am completely nuetral.
    And it also disqualifies you from commenting on football related matters. Toddle of Donald. You`ve forgotton your trousers.
    Sorry guys (and Charlotte) but the above post was mine. I forgot to put my name to it and I dont like to hide behind the cloak of anonymity.
    And to big gay (millwall) Al, for someone who finds my comments offensive you sure have a violent streak in you. I know perfectly well where your ill supported dump is and last time we met over there you did what you usually do when faced with anyone that aint intimidated by your firm of spotty faced burberry wearing chavs. You did nothing.
    If anyone is throwing stones its you. And you really should step out of your glass house before you do.
    Thank you and goodbye.

  74. ratty says:

    Hey guys im going though most of what bee said about the game yesterday i work at the ground as a steward i was on the away stand (was not est pleased but im paid to go where im told) im disgraced at the violence the went on at the ground and out of it and seeing missiles come down from the crowd and almost getting hit im sorry to sound wussy but i was geninuely terrified for my own and other stewards safety and having west ham fans run over to millwall fans during at end of the game well sparked more concern there is no longer a place for this in football and the this may effect our cup run and also the 2018 or 2020 world cup so cheers guys for ruining this for us.

  75. Meriam says:

    Wow, so much anger!
    I think people (?) like Village and West Ham Noise seem to have forgotten that football, though we all love it and stuff, is still ONLY A GAME. My father stopped going to matches for over 30 years because of the violence he saw in these places.
    Real fans are the ones being forced out because of ‘tribalism’ and ‘rivalries’ – isn’t it time people grew up and started acting like humans.
    xx

  76. mick the fish says:

    i am not proud to say i used to be involved with this sort of violence when i was younger in the eighties and early ninties however i became a soldier and travelled fought and learnt i became sick of the use of senseless violence i understand the mentality behind most football hoolies and hope that as they mature they realise what a waste of time it all is .what i find amazing is that there are men the same age as me who have not moved on as this is the highest platform they have reached and are stuck in limbo and see them selves as some sort of role models for future thugs . i have a message for these such super thugs come icons of our clubs YOU ARE NOTHING leave your beloved clubs and find something better like cage fighting …sadly i dont think any would be interested as thats a sport where you fight one on one…mmm.
    oh and by the way if this carries on i bet zola will walk away.

  77. Village says:

    Dear Mr Fish,
    There is no use in carping on about the eel feeling shown to the pike-ys last night. All it does is gets people sticklebacks up. I think you should get off your perch and take a holiday. Somewhere like Sardine-ia where you could pitch up a tench, stick a roach in your joint and be at peace with cod.
    And for fucks sake no more weather forecasts.

  78. Charlotte says:

    Thank you to all of you who replied about how disgusted you are at the mindless violence and the immaturity and vile nature of ‘Village’ and ‘West Ham Noise.’ So nice to know there are some decent people around who like FOOTBALL, and detest the violence that comes with it.
    ‘Mick The Fish’ i think it’s fantastic that you’ve turned your life around, and also that you were a soldier – thank you for your efforts to protect our country.
    Almost can’t believe ‘Village’ is replying the way he is… Although kind of can, as we’ve seen how scummy and unintelligent he is.
    Come on proper football fans – here’s to a good season of supporting our teams in the proper way. Here’s to good football!! xx

  79. Anonymous says:

    I was at de match..
    Fukin best fight fuk de old bill fukin ruinin it.. I fukin hugged a black hammers player…
    Fuk scumwall

  80. Niels says:

    I was at the match, huge WH fan, and just have to say:
    1. Half of the fighters never watched the game.
    2. Boys, 12-16, storming the field… don’t know half of the rivalry and just wanted to be a big boy.
    3. As a fan, why go and ruin the game for the players you support! Also, security, players should be protected!
    4. I’m sure, 20 000 of 24 000 were booing and yelling to get off the pitch!
    Respect to Collison, respect to fans, ban for life for hooligans!

  81. Rusty Rambo says:

    I don’t believe that, you go and spoil a good thread with language like that, the beautiful game is even tarnished online. Thats the thing with these cup draws, there’s always a bit of friction and it rubs up for so long, that the minority are just waiting to set it off.
    Lets hope some good games this season take the thoughts of these actions away.

  82. Jan says:

    Hear, hear, Charlotte!
    There’s way too much chauvinism on this page, it’s a relief to see that there’s still decent people like you out there.
    And that goes for Niels too, I must say I truly respect your view on the game, especially because you were actually in the stands.
    If I could I’d buy you guys a pint or two.
    Err, nah, just one.
    The hooligans not only spoilt the match (and probably upcoming matches, caused by punishment to the team) for the other supporters, but for theirselves too.
    I hope they at least realise that, if not they should consider buying Nintendo’s Brain Training and solving some more Sudoku puzzles.
    Jan (giving you an objective perspective by not being an inhabitant of England)

  83. Anonymous says:

    hey village theres an idiot somewhere looking for you….or are you actually gay and are one of the ……. people ? biker maybe with your bum cheeks out? y m c a !

  84. West Ham Noise says:

    Another day at the office. Anyone attending the United v Arsenal match on Saturday? lets get rough in Stetford.

  85. Village says:

    Good morning one and all. Now, for a start, could we please do away with this `anonymous`. A real name please as I`m thinking I`m being picked on by the same person. Its not hard, even if its not your real name, its gives me direction dontcha know.
    Well I have to say that there are some serious kiss arses on here. I can almost hear you whoop with joy everytime anyone is in agreement with your sensitive moral slant.
    Nice to see another female having a go. Shame its another wishy washy liberal bleeding heart. Cant you two share the ironing. Many hands do make light work you know. Oh, and living outside England doesnt make you objective, it makes you unqualified to pass judgment. As does being a 19 year old wet behind the ears teenager who has seen nothing of the world.
    As for unintelligent. Hardly. My posts are the only thing that keep this discussion going.
    As for Mick, whilst I do admire him for his past achievements anyone who refers to himself as `the fish` is obviously a man with a sense of humour and deserves to be lambasted with fish related puns. I bet he was in the Marines.
    And no I`ve never been in the village people. I do however ride a Triumph, but no, I dont wear my chaps back to front whilst going commando.
    Anyhow, my people want me back for while.
    Bye for now.

  86. West Ham Noise says:

    Go get laid Village!

  87. Village says:

    Thank you West Ham Noise but your a bit late and at my age twice in a day is a bit much.

  88. Anonymouse says:

    I have the perfect solution to the problem of violent ‘fan’ rivalry. At each match the police should seal off a field or waste ground area and designate it as the ‘red zone’. Then these ‘hardnuts’ who would like to ‘get rough’ with opposition fans can enter this zone and they can fight all they like without police intervention (or medical assistance). This removes the fighting from the normal public who don’t want anything to do with these retards. And whatever happens to them in this zone, they have to deal with themselves, they entered it, it’s their problem. It would be interesting to see how many of these morons would actually be ‘tough enough’ to go in and stay in. Then the next day, if anyone was ‘brave’ enough to enter the zone, the council road sweepers can scoop up the body parts and take them to the landfill. An elegant solutuion I think.

  89. Justin says:

    Of the people around me less than 5% were wearing colours, bunch of daygos who don’t care if they get banned. Vast majority of them under 25 if not under 21. Not reflective of the usual crowd that I sit with.
    Really annoying that the moral high ground seem to think people running onto the pitch is violence. There was clearly a ticket less crowd getting thuggish but why let that gloss over sensationalising all west fans are thugs. It is the usual nonsense media over egging the facts to sell papers airtime, whatever, knee jerk England, ban it ban it ban it. We are the laughing stock of the world.

  90. James says:

    West Ham Noise you silly cunt – have you taken all this straight of the FF? ‘I’m just a normal bloke but i enjoy occassionally beating the fuck out of someone’…You sound like a complete and utter Danny Dyer wannabe tosser…

  91. James says:

    West Ham Noise you silly cunt – have you taken all this straight out of the FF? ‘I’m just a normal bloke but i enjoy occassionally beating the fuck out of someone’…You sound like a complete and utter Danny Dyer wannabe tosser…sort yourself out.

  92. James says:

    ‘Hey guys im going though most of what bee said about the game yesterday i work at the ground as a steward i was on the away stand (was not est pleased but im paid to go where im told) im disgraced at the violence the went on at the ground and out of it and seeing missiles come down from the crowd and almost getting hit im sorry to sound wussy but i was geninuely terrified for my own and other stewards safety and having west ham fans run over to millwall fans during at end of the game well sparked more concern there is no longer a place for this in football and the this may effect our cup run and also the 2018 or 2020 world cup so cheers guys for ruining this for us.’
    Most of this is your lot’s fault anyway Ratty – howabout instead of just letting the ‘fans’ run onto the pitch you step in the way, do your fucking job, and grow a pair? Muppet.

  93. Kong says:

    Did that guy just blame the stewards for 3 pitch invasions…?

  94. West Ham Noise says:

    Why has everybody got a problem with me liking a scrap? i’ve been in the emergency department plenty of times from my antics. Any hard nut’s want to speak up now? i’ll jaw you all in person.

  95. West Ham Noise says:

    Why has everybody got a problem with me liking a scrap? i’ve been in the emergency department plenty of times from my antics. Any hard nut’s want to speak up now? i’ll jaw you all in person.

  96. Medico says:

    WHN – Sew it up yourself next time if you’re so fucking hard. Gimp.

  97. Village says:

    Just a quick reply to another anonymous. Your `novel` idea of having a private area where `fans` can go and kick off with each other is a good idea but not new. Many `firms` over the years have arranged large scale scraps away from the public gaze and I,m sure that given the opportunity thats the way the more serious hooligans would like it. In fact, if that was the case it would keep a lot of the young wanabees, faced with the possibility of not being able to hide or jump around without getting involved away. I,m sure if you look on youtube you will see quite a few just like that.
    Cheers

  98. West Ham Noise. says:

    Look! I probaly contribute more taxes each year through my £72,000 per annum job then any of you minimum wage scumbags. So wheres my liberty to enjoy myself and abuse the system? i’ve never hurt anyone out of spite. Like for like firms fight each other not inncoent people. Innocent people get in the way trying to be a hero. That’s why they end up in comas.

  99. Medico says:

    WHN – you’re a waste of medical equipment.

  100. West Ham Noise says:

    Medico- Serioulsy PM me we’ll meet and organise a tonking for yourslef and you’re buddies.

  101. Charlotte says:

    Hahaha i actually just find it funny how pathetic West Ham Noise and Village are. Waste of oxygen if you ask me.
    Real hardnuts eh?! Congratulations losers.

  102. mick the fish says:

    hey whn why dont you just put in your post code and then we can come around and give it some? personnaly just because you earn 72k doesnt make you big time does it?
    i bet you even have a big car to cover up for your lack of penis .
    village top marks for the humour and you are bang on it i was actually french foreign legion para, and then brit royal engineer(eod thats bomb disposal to you).
    i dont object to bashing eachother up just not at a football match if you wish to do that then go and find a
    better place i am sure if you advertise for it on the web some nutters up for it will come round to play. who knows you might even meet the likes of me if you ask nicely!

  103. Village says:

    Its been fun but i think this thread has reached its natural conclusion and should expire gracefully.
    Before I go I would just like to say to Charlotte that she needs some serious cock. Girl, you are so up yourself its untrue. Your 19 and spend your time on these messageboards marauding around like a teenage Mary Whitehouse. Get out there, the world is ugly. Find a man and get fucked.
    Thank you and goodnight.

  104. daddyfumanchu says:

    let the working class have its game back-

  105. Anonymous says:

    fuk you

  106. Anonymous says:

    fuk you

  107. Anonymous says:

    fair play mate

  108. SAM says:

    fuk all you retarded assholes west ham for fukin life you cunts

  109. stealth says:

    we are hardnuts the hammers are the gods of football

  110. nick ireland says:

    I’m a football fan from Australia. I happen to like Millwall. I saw them at New Deb v Palace in 03 when Timmy Cahill, Kevin Muscat and Denis Wise played for them. I enjoyed their brand of football pure and simple. No aggro at ground and good fun. Followed them religiously ever since. Do I hate the Hammers? Of course not. I do however like seeing them get beaten. Difference between English and Aussie fans is we can abuse each other in the heat of the moment and laugh it off later. There is sweet f.a violence. Christ we let the Barmy Army sing to the heavens.

    There is a lot of latent hatred that you guys have which I don’t understand. All seems pretty petty to me. Sure there is the historical antipathy but sheesh you guys have to all grow up.

    May the rivalry and sledging continue but shit, can’t you just get pissed and not worry about to the point of being ridiculous?

    Regard and godspeed the lot of yers

  111. ironman says:

    2005 too many police, apart from taunting and millwall threw bricks
    at the tube at us. it makes me laugh people, dont speak truth in the fights, they always try to say their club won, but it was millwall, who kicked it off against us, they were walking with all old bill round them singing about “bobby moore”, nd then all west ham fans tried to charge but old bill was between and they were throwing missiles at eachother and a few of millwalls went in a kebab house smashed that up with west ham supporters, they also jumped a few of us on green street but police dragged it away, and they made an effort to break into ground smashing gates up, as our fans was trying to break through the police…… on the pitch, we ran on, we didnt run past half way line, but the gang next to the millwall end made effort to get to millwall nd the were more police on the millwall side because their the ones with the worst past…grow up

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