Millwall and West Ham arrest update after 400 police officers deployed to heated London derby

Millwall and West Ham played out a tense Championship derby at The Den on Saturday, with six arrests made by police amid reports of disorder. The match, which marked the sides’ first encounter in 14 years, ended in a 2-2 draw after a combative contest featuring a red card and allegations of spitting. The game began with Millwall showing greater composure, securing an early lead through Caleb Taylor. The hosts extended their advantage late in the first half when Camiel Neghli scored, giving the Lions a 2-0 halftime edge. However, West Ham responded strongly in the second half, with Mohamadou Kante equalizing in the 74th minute. Konstantinos Mavropanos later leveled the score, setting up a dramatic finale. The tension escalated when Kante received a red card after bringing down Kyrell Lisbie, forcing West Ham to play with 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Hammers managed to hold onto the draw. The match concluded without major incidents inside the stadium, though police were heavily deployed throughout the area. Authorities took extensive measures to prevent unrest, deploying 400 police officers to monitor the event. A Section 35 dispersal order was enforced, granting officers the authority to remove individuals causing disorder. Additionally, a Section 60 order allowed for increased stop-and-search powers until 8pm. The Met Police confirmed six arrests by 4pm, citing offenses such as tailgating, assault on a police officer, and entering a stadium while intoxicated. Three of these arrests were linked to a Live Facial Recognition operation in London Bridge, including a man suspected of possessing class A drugs and a bladed item. Following the match, reports surfaced of clashes between fans and police outside The Den. Supporters reportedly scuffled with officers, indicating heightened tensions despite the lack of major disturbances within the stadium. The police statement emphasized collaboration with both clubs to ensure fan safety and minimize disruptions. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo addressed the game, acknowledging the team’s struggles in the first half before praising their improvement in the second. He also noted the red card as a setback but expressed satisfaction with the overall performance. Regarding a spitting allegation involving Taty Castellanos and Millwall goalkeeper Filip Marschall, Espirito Santo stated he had not viewed the incident and would review the footage before commenting. Marschall, who made his Championship debut, claimed he had been spat at during the 65th minute. While the incident was reported to match officials, including referee Paul Tierney, neither party has publicly confirmed its occurrence. Millwall manager Alex Neil indicated he had not questioned Marschall about the incident, suggesting the matter would be resolved through available footage. As the dust settles on the derby, the focus shifts to the aftermath, with ongoing investigations and potential disciplinary actions pending. Fans and officials alike await further developments regarding the alleged spitting incident and the broader implications for future matches.